Da Fashionista.com

Diabolina Styled Me...And I Liked it

Barbie's Story

I've never been a fashion hound. I knew pretty things when I'd see them and I was able to put together a good (enough) outfit. But I've never felt inspired when it comes to fashion. And I certainly did not dress "cute" on a consistent basis.


I'm young, married and work in advertising for the studios. But I'd started feeling like a frumpy old lady. I wanted to dress the part for my life. I was so sick of my closet, and of living life as "Frumplestilskin" as I called her.











I was introduced to Diabolina through two mutual friends, MissJordyPants and Paola. Paola had had a style consultation with Diabolina in June and couldn't stop talking about how it changed her life. When I saw the blog post with the results of Paola's consultation I finally felt inspired. Most importantly, I felt like I could make this change. I NEEDED to make this change.




Diabolina came to my house and it was like we had known each other forever! In between laughs and chatting and changing and sweating (the consultation is a workout!) she pulled together outfits I would never have considered. She taught me to look at high end designers to get an eye for patterns and textures that look expensive. She showed me that belts are my friend. Necklaces and scarves and hot shoes too.


She tactfully pointed out that the ankle of a woman is not her sexiest feature. And I should never wear hemmed capris. EVER. She taught me clothes don't have to be matchy matchy: combining textures, colors, patterns is not only OK, it's fabulous!










One of the things I was most concerned about before Diabolina came over was being judged. After all, a closet is an intimate part of one's life. It's the definition of one's taste. I thought, I chose to purchase these items because I thought they were nice. Now someone is going to come look in here and tell me I have hideous taste? Thankfully, my consultation was the opposite of that. Diabolina is brilliant, funny, warm and kind. I never felt judged or pitied for my sorry clothes.













From that day on, I buried Frumplestilskin and emerged a hotter, more confident me. I truly feel liberated. I got rid of clothes and shoes that were way past their prime, if they ever had a prime. I made space in my closet and my life for things that represent me - the me I want to showcase to the world. It seems dramatic to say but the consultation DID change my life. It changed how i dress, shop, and think about fashion. It changed how I feel.



I now wake up in the morning excited about what I get to wear. It's so much fun! One of the most exciting parts of this metamorphosis is the reaction from my husband, friends, family and coworkers.









I think the transformation is most notable at work with the people I see on a daily basis. So many of my coworkers have noted my improvement. The biggest compliment came this week when the VP at the studio, who dresses super cute herself, told me "You always used to look cute (she's lying/being kind) but recently you just pop". I carry myself differently now. I'm more confident and self-assured. People definitely notice that.

But to be honest with you I've struggled a bit with being so excited about the new me and feeling really sad and regretful that I've gone through my entire life not putting the best "me" out there. It's a strange sensation. But I landed a man despite the frumps so I guess it worked out ;)









Yesterday I got the InStyle fall fashion issue in the mail and I screamed with delight "The fall fashion issue is here!" It's the first time I've ever even cared about something like that.



I sing Diabolina's praises to all who compliment me. And every time I put together my own outfit or buy a hottie pair of shoes I want to beam to Diabolina "Look at what I learned from you!"

***

No words to describe what a gift it's been to get to know Barbie over the past few months. To feel like I've had a positive impact on her life. She is good people - smart, supportive and HILARIOUS. Whenever we trade emails, she has me in stitches. Cannot wait to meet her alter ego when we all go out to dinner soon. She tells me her alter ego eats...ALOT.


Good thing mine does too. Can't wait to look fabulous while we pig.