Category: Style

  • Spring Cleaning: Decluttering Your Home and Your Mind

    Spring Cleaning: Decluttering Your Home and Your Mind

    Spring is a time of renewal, and what better way to embrace this rejuvenating season than through a thorough spring clean? Beyond simply tidying up your physical space, spring cleaning can have a profound impact on your mental well-being. Let’s explore how the process of decluttering your home can lead to a clearer and calmer mind.

    The act of decluttering your living space can be incredibly therapeutic. As you sort through your belongings, deciding what to keep, what to donate, and what to discard, you are not just creating a tidier home, but also releasing yourself from the burden of physical clutter. The physical act of organizing  and cleaning your make-up cabinets, bathroom drawers, closets, junk drawers, desks or garages can be meditative, providing a sense of accomplishment and control over your environment.

    A clean and organized home can greatly reduce feelings of anxiety and stress while a cleansing of your environment can lead to an increase in productivity. When your living space is free from clutter, there is less visual distraction and a greater sense of openness and tranquility. You may find it easier to relax and unwind in a tidy, well-organized space you call home!

    Beyond the immediate impact on your surroundings, decluttering can also have lasting emotional benefits. Letting go of items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy can be a powerful exercise in mindfulness and detachment. By clearing out physical clutter, you may find that you are also shedding mental and emotional weight, allowing for a greater sense of mental clarity and focus.

    The effects of spring cleaning extend beyond just your home and mind. Studies have shown that a clean and organized environment can lead to increased productivity and improved overall well-being. By creating a harmonious space for yourself, you are setting the stage for positive changes in other aspects of your life.

    Spring cleaning is not just about dusting and decluttering; it’s spring cleaning your soul! An opportunity to cultivate a sense of mental and emotional well-being. So, roll up your sleeves, put on some upbeat music, and let the cleansing power of spring-cleaning work its magic on both your home and your mental well-being.

  • The difference between style and fashion

    The difference between style and fashion

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A perspective of the difference between style & fashion

    A piece of clothing tells a story when you can revisit the place where you found it just by putting it on or pulling out of your closet. When I travel, I purposefully seek out locally owned boutiques so that whenever I put on that piece of jewelry from Dubai, my favorite sundress from Ibiza, or my leather and fur crop jacket from Florence, I am instantly transported back to that special time and place, and all the wonderful memories that come along with it. Finding your personal style reveals genuine authentic-ness without saying a word.

    I look at style separately from fashion. A fashion trend may or may not suit me but the experience of how a glamourous gown with the perfect stiletto can affect my demeanor and translate into taking a fearless stride into a room is an influential feeling. Rockin out my favorite Old Gringo boots with my G-Star moto denim at a concert edifies my exhilaration and a style snapshot is taken. Fashion evolves with trends. Elements of fashion are woven into one’s personal style.

    I am a curator of fashion. I buy an item of clothing because of a unique weave or an unexpected cut out in the fabric. I collect vintage clothing and jewelry as well as accrue iconic designers’ pieces like timeless art. When I purchase an accoutrement from one of the students at the School of the Art Institute of Fashion in Chicago, I know it is the only one with no other duplicate in the collection. I am in awe of these young talented designers. They are stellar at their craft! The students were inspired to design by perhaps their ancestors, a sunset, a road trip, a doll collection, or a dream. Their vision was translated to fashion. I get to wear the designs that came to fruition from that mood board of inspiration, and I do not take that for granted. I am blessed to cover my shoulders with their creations and to know what inspired them. This is one of the reasons style and fashion have a sacred place in my memory and my closet.

    Dress for yourself but fashion captures the time and place in which people live. Remember how confident you feel when you own your style. Fashion speaks to us all in different ways but personal style matters. How you present yourself in a room matters. Your posture matters. Your facial expression matters. You matter. What you wear reflects how you feel and that really matters.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1649180214035-2e29be2b-3a89-10″ include=”2112,2109″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • ALL THAT GLITTERS

    ALL THAT GLITTERS

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]All that Glitters

    Personally speaking, glitter makes me happy. It reminds me of a disco ball, the sparkles off a large mass of water, the glint of the fresh white fallen snow, star beams, and crystal flecks. Much like sand, it spreads its cheer by dancing about and graces the surface of all that crosses its path! Some even call it fairy dust, princess powder, and unicorn magic, but here is a little glitter trivia for ya… glitter has been around for over 2000 years. Yep, it has been in artwork throughout the Renaissance and scientists and geologists have found it in cave paintings and rock formations for centuries.

    Of course it is more prominent in the holiday season and seems a little ubiquitous that it shows its sparkly self everywhere, from ornaments, tinsel, lights, cards, décor, make up, clothing, nail polish and of course our very own STELLARGIRL Glimmer Lotion! It’s simple, shimmering, glittery skin makes me smile! I love leaving a little sparkle behind on every single person, place and thing! You gotta make your mark somehow…

    The glittery goodness is transcribed on products like cups, cards, pillows, wall art, and jewelry with sayings like “Glitter is always on option”; “Tis the Season to Sparkle”, “Some Girls are just born with glitter in their veins”, “Shine”, “Leave a little Sparkle wherever you go”, “Keep Calm and Sparkle On”, and the trail of glitter art goes on and on. There’s gotta be something to this! I am not the only one who loves it.

    So, now that I have gone on and on about it, STELLARGIRLS always leave a little sparkle behind, so “Shine On” and take in the glittery magic of the season, follow the call of the disco ball and spread it’s pretty glow wherever you go![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid grid_id=”vc_gid:1636555417565-9ada2e1c-0e50-1″ include=”1937,1938″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • 5 Steps To Cleaning Out Your Closet by guest blogger Kelsey Dech @kelseyy__d

    5 Steps To Cleaning Out Your Closet by guest blogger Kelsey Dech @kelseyy__d

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    5 Steps To Cleaning Out Your Closet

    by guest blogger Kelsey Dech

    With a new season often comes a new wardrobe and now that Fall is in full swing, it may be time for you to take a second look at your closet. We love a good spaghetti strap and a cute pair of cutoff shorts but unless you’re living below the equator, chances are you need to make some room for your long sleeves, sweaters and jackets. But before you go full Marie Kondo on your wardrobe, read through these 4 steps to help clean out your closet.

    1. Determine Your Goal

    Before you take anything off the hanger or out of the drawer, ask yourself why you are cleaning out your closet in the first place. Is it to make way for new pieces? Is it to refine your style? Maybe you’re looking to declutter and transition to a capsule wardrobe or maybe it is just a seasonal changeover. Whatever it is, narrow down your goal prior to getting started.

    1. Prep

    Depending on the size of your closet, clearing out your wardrobe can take hours so it’s best to prep in advance. Take a look at your calendar and decide what day and time works best for your schedule. Once you have a date in mind, be sure to make a short list of supplies you might need. For example, garbage bags, storage bins, labels, and markers often come in handy. Pro tip: have an upbeat playlist ready to go as well. Cleaning is always better when there is a good tune to back it up.

    1. Sort

    The day has come for your big closet clean and it’s time to get to work. Remind yourself of the goal you set out for yourself and ensure you have all your supplies ready to go. Begin going through and sorting your existing wardrobe based on this goal. For example, if you are aiming to make room for your Fall clothes, you’ll want to go through all of your Spring and Summer styles first. Sometimes sorting by style is the way to go. In other words, making piles based on the type of clothing. Like a blazers pile or a tank top bin. But for others, sorting items based on how you feel about it works better. Typically, this is when you sort items into 3 to 5 categories:

    1. Keep
    2. Store Away
    3. Donate
    4. Repair
    5. Trash

    It’s important to keep in mind that the sorting process will look different for everyone so find what works for you and your goal. PS! If you do have items that fall under the well beyond repair category, make sure you dispose of them sustainably and ethically. There are many textile recycling projects across the country so do your research and see how to properly dispose of your unwanted belongings before you just toss them into the garbage bin.

    1. Organize

    Once you’ve sorted through your entire wardrobe and determined what’s staying versus what’s going, now is the time to reconstruct and get things back in place. Take this time to color coordinate your wardrobe or maybe give yourself a moment to flip the hangers around so they’re all pointing in the same direction. Whatever it is, make sure you are not just letting your closet go back to the same way it was set up. What’s the point of cleaning it out if you’re just going to keep it as disorganized as you had it before?

    1. Clean Up!

    The hard work is done and your closet is shining from hanger to hanger. All that should be left to do is clearing up any leftover supplies and loading up your car with your donation pile. Didn’t end up with any items to donate? Lucky for you, tidying up should be even quicker!

    What are your closet cleanout tips? Send us an email at hello@rossstellardev.wpenginepowered.com of dm us on insta and we will share them at @stellargirlofficial[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”lazy” element_width=”6″ item=”masonryMedia_Default” grid_id=”vc_gid:1634147450960-3d3df377-b9dc-8″ include=”1891,1893″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • CREATE your own STELLAR STYLE

    CREATE your own STELLAR STYLE

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Create your own stellar style!

    There is not one doubt in my mind that anyone who knows me will say that I am a clothes collector. I am obsessed with style & fashion that is unique to emerging designers. I love an unusual detail, I am obsessed with a cool vintage find, and when I am on the hunt to find something, I usually don’t settle! I know what I like and what I don’t, and I know what works on my body type. It is a given that when I travel the world, I purchase at least one piece of clothing made by a local designer from where I am visiting. It not only sends me back to that location when I wear it again, but I love pieces that are not mass produced. I love supporting local independent boutiques when I shop abroad, and I will also collect sentimental jewelry from a particular region or country.

    That is also why I have been supporting the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Fashion Department since 2009. I am honored to be on the Fashion Council Committee where we donate and raise funds for scholarships for students in the fashion design department. Some of my favorite pieces in my closet come from the incredible talent and craftsmanship of these students. I will treasure and save those items forever! They are also one of a kind, and are pieces of art.

    I was also a wardrobe stylist by trade for over a decade and still occasionally style photoshoots.  I continue to have about a half dozen clients in the Midwest and in Vancouver, Canada. I am sometimes called upon to put together looks for a vacation, special event, or even a seasonal look book! I love taking pieces from someone’s closet, buying a few new additions for that season and mixing the old with the new creating out of the box looks and surprises for my clients who would have never dreamed of layering different patterns or textures together. Or finding that insane vintage belt, shoe or statement jacket that stops a crowd and other fashion lovers take notice of what my client is wearing! I love to lend out my clothes to friends or family who need a little extra something for a wedding or special event and don’t feel like shopping and spending money. I always invite them to my closet, style them, and when I see that smile on their face, BAM, I nailed it because there is nothing like that “look” or feeling of confidence when you know you have a “wow ensemble” put together!

    That is why I love the power of a good outfit, a “feel good” presence in a room, the fact that clothes speak volumes though the self-assurance of the body that is owning it. It is undeniably strong. It isn’t the most important thing, but if sure feels good to have a stellar outfit compliment your stellar smile and style![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”lazy” element_width=”6″ item=”masonryMedia_Default” grid_id=”vc_gid:1631113564966-f996123c-419f-3″ include=”1846,1847″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Beauty on the go!

    Beauty on the go!

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Beauty on the go!

    Life is busy enough! From your regular day to day work life, family schedules, running a business, running your household and then add a trip? Somedays I feel like I am scrambling all day (side note, that is why I try to exercise first thing in the morning and now 3-4 minutes of mindful mediation….) but as my good girlfriend and I check in with each other and ask,  “are you having a scrambled egg day or a sunny side up day?”.  Some days you take your make-up in the car, or only have 5 minutes to put any on at all. Often, we need to touch up throughout the day and then there are those day to night events that require extra attention.

    When I discovered, Wander Beauty, I had too many products in my purse, my carry-on when I travel and now I have multi-taskers from wanderbeauty.com that solved many of my problems.

    With cleverly named product like “staycation”, “double date”, “on the glow”, “mile high club” and “baggage claim”, just to name a few; their double-duty, multi taskers like highlighter and bronzer in the same brush you save time, space and money! That is a 100 percent win for me! These clean beauty essentials are for where you wander and wanderlust! Their ingredients work with your skin to achieve maximum benefits with time saving technology to suit all of our needs.

    Wander Beauty is also one of my favorites as they are a one stop shop for not just make-up but skin care and hair care too! Many of their products are multi award winning, and their female founders, Divya Gugnani (with whom I recently had the pleasure of conversing with on my Speaking STELLARGIRL podcast) and Lindsay Ellingson have proven to their cult clientele and the 30 plus beauty award winning products that they are here to stay! I can’t wait for their next genius minded beauty kits for all of us who are having a “scrambled-egg” day!!![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”lazy” element_width=”6″ item=”masonryMedia_Default” grid_id=”vc_gid:1628695780907-35070c9a-ffde-3″ include=”1804,1811″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Cool Chic Summer Style

    Cool Chic Summer Style

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Cool Chic Easy Breezy Summer Style

    Do you want to look and feel cool, comfy and chic in this summer heat? Let me suggest some of my favorite fabrics and breezy outfits.

    White is the only color that does not attract the heat because white clothing reflects all wavelengths of light. So, try wearing white or tan tones. Also, keep your clothing on the looser side, tight pieces will fire up body heat (other than a swimsuit, which you want to fit close to the body). A little baggy equals a little breezy! Plus tight white clothes are not always the most flattering…

    Cotton, one of my favorite summer fabrics absorbs water, so it will absorb your sweat too. I love wearing a white cotton t-shirt, tank top, with loose, wide leg pants. White top and white bottom are instantly chic no matter what. Add shades, a wide brimmed straw hat and sandals and walk-through summer with grace and ease.

    Linen, my second fav, yes it gets wrinkly, but that’s the “look” of it. I love a loose cut linen jumpsuit, or I will borrow my mans’ oversized linen button down and throw it over my swimsuit or tie it at the waist with linen skirt of a neutral tone. I am also up for a flowy maxi skirt that skims my ankles and I pair it with cute flip flops and canvas beach bag.

    Chambray, another “go to”, is a fabric I prefer over jeans in the heat. It is often described as an imitation denim, so it has the cool factor but it a lot lighter in weight. It usually has a mottled texture and washes well.

    Jersey is a fabric that most think will be too heavy in the summer, but it is versatile, drapey and flexible. Perfect for a comfortable cover up and athletic activities.

    In the evening you can 100 percent find me in a silk maxi dress. They are sexy, not fussy and you don’t need much else but a strappy sandal and a sleek clutch. Here is where I would reach for darker colors as the sun sets. Try an unlined black, navy or red maxi that will contrast perfectly as you watch the sun go down. Throw your beach hair into a pony or a low bun to keep cool and effortlessly classy.

    This summer, think flowy mini or maxi dresses, skirts that don’t hug the body, white crop tops and tanks, linen everything, white wide leg pants, oversized jumpsuits and do not forget a cute terry cloth bucket hat and a wide brimmed hat to shade your face from the blazing sun. There is nothing cute about a sunburn so be sure to add SPF to daily skin care routine![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”lazy” element_width=”6″ item=”masonryMedia_Default” grid_id=”vc_gid:1624995947930-2b0ba248-ad58-5″ include=”1739,1744″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Stories told and unfold for International Women’s Day

    Stories told and unfold for International Women’s Day

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Celebrating women is what STELLARGIRL is all about. March is International Women’s History Month and March 8th being International Women’s Day, I want to share some inspiring stories of women I have met throughout my travels.

    My wanderlust has taken me to over 40 countries and what has always brought me so much joy is meeting, learning and laughing with the women from the places I’ve travelled. I spent 2 weeks in Ukraine as a folkorique dancer, I’ve toured throughout Europe, Iceland, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Morocco, Thailand, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Japan, Singapore and Hong Kong, to name some highlightsand what I found is that women have more in common than not. What starts many of our conversations? Well….it is usually centered around fashion and style. Either I will seek out independent clothing or jewelry boutiques, local designers are my favorite or shop and walk the local markets and be enchanted by their energy and love of fashion. Also, walking around (that’s the best way to see a new city) will entice a conversation and I will compliment a women on her outfit or vice versa and voila instant connection!

    One story in particular, in Japan, the “Coming of Age Day” is a Japanese holiday and held annually on the 2nd Monday of January. It is when a woman reaches 20 years of age (between April of the previous year to April 1 of the current year). They dress in the most spectacular furisode’s (kimono) and zori sandals. I was in Toyko that week and at the Asakusa Shrine and the Sensoji Temple, the women were magical. They shared their stories with me, they wanted to take photos, they love their culture with intense passion and they have tremendous hope for their futures. A week I will never forget.

    The women in Thailand and Vietnam are a mix of vulnerability and strength and are incredibly sweet. They shared stories of their family traditions, food, flowers and love of life. The local women would also want to hear where I am from and want to learn about Canada (btw I am Canadian and moved to the US in 2005)…. but it is listening and learning from women all over the world that all have hope for the future and all love sharing their cultures and traditions. Women forever inspire me and that is stellar!

    Teri xo[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”lazy” element_width=”6″ item=”masonryMedia_Default” grid_id=”vc_gid:1614703524806-4df94145-c9ed-5″ include=”1430,1431″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Accessories are a total mood lifter

    Accessories are a total mood lifter

    [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Accessories can take an outfit from ordinary to extraordinary.  Also, they are one of the most affordable ways to keep up with the trends or to feel more refined. For me I don’t “match” my metals (I wear both yellow gold and silver on the same wrist), I never match my belt with my shoes and I rarely wear one necklace at a time.

    However, accessories can be just for fun, make a bold statement or they can have tremendous sentimental meaning. I have an antique pendant necklace that was my grandmothers that has been in 4 drivers licenses and 3 passport pictures. I have a gold bracelet I haven’t taken off in 6 years, I wear the same thin gold toe ring that I got in Hawaii 15 years ago. I accessorize with costume jewelry, real gold, or diamond studs that I never take off. I select high- and low-end rotation items that I wear on repeat. I used to wear scarves, don’t know why I stopped…..also being super busy I find it a hassle to change up my handbag, so I usually stick with a cross body bag to keep my hands free. Yet, I do change up evening bags on vacation when I have more time and different places to go.

    Are you a luxury, logo lover? Or a simple understated dresser? You can “hide” yourself or be mysterious behind a large pair of sunglasses.  You can cover up a bad hair day with a hat or show support for your favorite sports team by wearing their logoed baseball cap. Maybe you collect hats with the city written on the brim or the college you went to. Or perhaps you wear a head covering that is a part of your culture or religion and it is a “piece” of you.

    I feel naked without my jewelry. It is symbolic and gives me peace. It is a “part” of me. Sneakers, boots, heels, mules, slides….yes, they are accessories but that will be an entire new blog of its own! But they are equally important. I sometimes base my entire look on my footwear….

    Ok, back to the topic at hand…I do have something to share that’s on my bucket list… I can’t wait to head to the Kentucky Derby and wear an outlandish derby hat. Or even enjoy the weekend of festivities and dress up with more than one chic headpiece. Hmm, do I go for the traditional bowler hat, aka the billycock hat, or a cartwheel hat? Options…and that is why accessories are so much fun![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”lazy” element_width=”6″ item=”masonryMedia_Default” grid_id=”vc_gid:1613499098433-23a904ed-83ea-0″ include=”1384,1383″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

  • Thanksgiving Style

    Thanksgiving Style

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    Stellargirls,

    Every Thanksgiving is about being thankful and grateful for all our blessings in life. Our friends, family, pets, our health and happiness should never be taken for granted. As we continue to be affected by the pandemic and confusion over celebrating with our own household or having big family gathering, we should still celebrate joy, love, laughter and our support for each other!

    I believe that choosing happiness in whatever form that is for you,  I think that Thanksgiving deserves some personal style!  Let’s all put the quarantine sweatsuits to the side next Thursday and put on a picture worthy outfit and smile!

    Love,
    Teri
    xo

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