About me update

I updated my “About Me” page, and I wanted to share!

About C. Style:

I started C. Style as a much needed outlet for myself. I left an 8-year sales career when I had my two sons. It’s hard to admit, but it was extremely difficult for me. I lovingly refer to that time as my “deep dark hole”. I found that I was lonely and not my usually extraverted self. I was not the same “Carly”. I also somehow lost my sense of style and even my passion for clothes. But it’s ok! It all happened for a reason, because I learned a ton about myself! The turning point came when I met two of my closest girlfriends for dinner. On the way I said a little prayer that my friends would have some advice to help me. During our long discussion that was centered around nothing but me (got to love good friends), we started talking about my love for clothes. They said they would like me to help them clear out their closets, put together outfits and shop. I couldn’t believe my ears! I was so excited! I remember going home that night and coming up with a plan to start C. Style. But, I wanted to share my finds, tips and tricks with all my friends, so I decided to blog about it, too! And so the craziness began, I started taking pictures of myself and posting them on the Internet. Who does that?!?! Ha!

I want C. Style to be a place that is fun and void of any posts that leave readers feeling inadequate. I want it to be a happy place. There are too many times in my life when I felt that style was unachievable, intimidating and stuffy. I feel that everyone deserves to have fun with clothes and feel good in their skin. I understand this goes way beyond clothes, and here is a little bit about my personal experience (here). But there is nothing worse than feeling like you hate what you have on. It can ruin your whole day (or at least it can ruin mine) –ha! After all, we’re not trying to be models in Vogue, we just want to look good and have fun! I try to convey my love for clothes by sharing “real” style tips and tricks with little bits about my “real life”. I am an open book on C. Style and in life in general. And every time I am, you guys give me a big hug back. I can’t thank you all enough. Your encouraging words keep me going and are what motivate me. Thank you, because in the end, I don’t really care what anyone wears, as long as they feel good in their skin.

What is my style?

My style is practical. I wear heels on occasion, but I prefer to wear flats because they’re comfy. When purchasing something, I look for versatility, quality and cost-per-wear. I enjoy mixing high priced items with lower priced items. I don’t care where something is from, as long as adding it to my wardrobe makes sense.

Where do you get inspiration?

The posts are inspired by all of you through your comments, your questions, and your e-mails! I love them, and please keep them coming! Even if I don’t reply because of lack of time etc., they are in my brain. They’re inspired by epiphanies I have with clients and my own life, when I’m trying to find a solution to a style dilemma. They’re inspired by what I see out and about shopping. They’re inspired by trends, flipping around in magazines and Pinterest.

How do you have time to do this?

Some of you have thanked me for the time I take to post and encouraged me to keep posting. Thank you. You are right. It takes time, especially for a (recovering) perfectionist. That’s why I’m so thankful when you all share C. Style with your friends. Truth be told, things definitely slip through the cracks. Sometimes I completely forget about an e-mail, or I send my sons birthday party invitations out way too late, but it’s ok, they know I love them. But, I don’t claim to do it on my own! My sister-in-law, Mallory, helps me with everything. Yes, everything. I couldn’t do it without her. I remember when I first started C. Style and Mallory agreed to help, I cried. Yup, I couldn’t do it without her.

How do you make money?

When working with clients, I’m paid hourly. I shop with my clients, I help them in their closets, I share my knowledge with them, and we have a ton of fun. On the blog I am doing the same, but obviously I’m not charging hourly, yay! So how my blog is supported is by my links. When you purchase using a link on the blog, I get a very small commission, pennies on the dollar. It actually doesn’t cost you anything. I just post what I love and share my outfit links (which I would do anyway). It’s a win-win. How cool is that?!?! Sometimes brands will ask me to share a particular item or deal with you guys. I always tell you in the post if this is the case (ie. This brand asked me to look at this or that). I’m pretty picky when it comes to collaborations. I don’t post things I don’t like, obviously –ha! I am and always will be an open book. It’s who I am. So, if you like what you see on C. Style, share it with your friends because sharing is caring! And if you’d like to give me a “thumbs up”(a little support to say keep on going),purchase through the links.