Ree van DÄłk The Style Curator
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The Cluster Concept Unlock the Secrets to Sensational Style
Modern golden age
The Art of Personal Packaging
An era of Glamour & Grandeur
Essential concepts to live by 2018
Tips to make you look and feel phenomenal
Not a Miracle; She's simply been Styled by Ree
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Contents
Art Director & Stylist: Ree van Dijk Photographed by: Flora Nyugen
Modern Golden Age pg.
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Modern minimalistic tailoring infused with the richness of the Golden Age in a celebration of glamour and grandeur.
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Ree in 5
What were you like in high school?
I was an Ugly Duckling; I spent most of my free time reading books like Nancy Drew and Mills and Boons. Despite being a very bright girl I went unnoticed, mainly because of overwhelming selfdoubt and being overly concerned with others opinion of me. Fortunately, my teenage experiences led to my desire to help women fall fiercely in love with themselves. I've found that I can achieve that by boosting their self-confidence through personal styling.
Why fashion, why not psychology for example?
For me it has never been about simply dressing the individual. It’s about invoking emotions and awaking positive feelings. I believe that depth does not exist without surface and my mantra is when you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you do good. And isn’t that what the world needs right now, more positivity, more good?
If you could style the wardrobe of any woman (past or present) who would it be?
I admire powerful individuals so it would have to be one of these women; Anna Wintour, Serena Williams, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Michele Obama, or Shiekha Mozah. They all exhibit the three key qualities for being a truly remarkable person; style, substance, and grace. They have proven that a lady could be both brilliant and delectably stylish at the same time.
What is one random fact about yourself?
I am a global citizen. I have lived in 8 different countries and have lost count of how many I have visited.
Diamonds or pearls?
I’m definitely a pearls girl. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but pearls are a lady’s soulmate.
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Top 5 Personal Styling Guides… (Ever?)
I am often asked, “Which styling books do you recommend for someone like me?” I cater my recommendations based on the person’s taste, budget, goals, and the level at which they are in their personal development journey. However, there are five engaging, fabulous, and most import, substantial styling books that are always at the top of my list. Whether you are a novice grappling to find your fashion identity or fashionista who just needs a refresher, these books are chuck full of interesting and important fashion advice.
1. How to be Chic and Elegant: Tips From a French Woman ~ Marie-Anne Lecoeur
Best for: Learning the Basics (Must-have for Beginners) Marie-Anne Lecoeur has gifted us with a style handbook that is very easy to read and difficult to forget. She keeps the language simple and to the point, making it suitable for even the most inexperienced among us. But despite its simplicity, Lecoeur manages to deliver the tenets of style; the essential principles that help women develop good taste. She includes essential tips on various areas of self-styling, from clothing to skincare to hair.
2. The Style Checklist ~ Lloyd Boston
Best for: Anyone Interested in Fashion (Must-Have) Lloyd Boston has delivered the ultimate list for a well curated closet. It includes all the essentials for day-to-day styling and some key pieces to add that extra touch of personality to an ensemble. It’s clear that Boston is familiar with the needs of a modern, elegant woman because he ensured that he included staples for work, leisure, sports, and even travel. I particularly like that each essential is accompanied by details on function and wearability as well as the best items go perfectly with them. I recommend this book to every woman who wants a closet filled with pieces that are chic yet fully functional. Cont. page 24
Contents Look Stylish at Any Price
18 Learn how to look like a million dollars without spending a fortune. My Travels
22 A collage of a few of the places that have refined my perspective and enriched my soul.
Top 5 Personal Styling Books cont.
24 Five engaging, fabulous, and most important substantial styling books for the modern woman in search of elegance and iconic style.
PHOTO COURTESY: THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
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5 Style Secrets Every Woman Should Know
Effortless style is achieved by only the select few who practice these style secrets. Learn them and master them to reveal your innerglam-goddess.
The FROW
A fun and flirty editorial of Yasya Minochkina A/W 2015 collection.
The Art of Personal Packaging Combine substance with the right style to maximise your potential for success.
The Cluster Concept
14 Mix and match your way to easy yet enviable ensembles, and a stress-free and fabulous new you.
A TFF (Tailor Friend
Forever) is essentially your style fairy godmother"
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5 Style Secrets Every Woman Should Know
I
saw a meme the other day that read, “You’re not Ugly, Just Broke” and I thought, forgive my
French, but poppycock {In my best Sheldon Cooper voice}. I’m sure it was meant as a joke but as someone who works diligently to help women fall deeply in love with their own beauty, I really could not see the humour in this statement. Equating one’s allure to one’s level of wealth is so archaic, especially in our era of Chic for Cheap. With some of the top designers collaborating with the H&M’s and Target’s of the industry, thrift stores stocked with last season’s runway looks, faux jewellery indistinguishable from the real thing, and free advice on the Internet, fashion and therefore style, is more readily accessible than ever.
All illustrations in this article are by: INSLEE FARISS
having style is a ma er of having good taste … and one can have a refined palate regardless of budget"
I could write a book on how to enhance one’s own beauty to achieve covetable style and perhaps one day I will, but until then, I will share with you the top 5 invaluable style advice I ever received. These helped me shed my ugly duckling facade and become a lady of style and I trust that they will inspire you too.
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Style is Taste, and Taste is Always in Style
It is an unfortunate belief that what separates a stylish woman from the ill-dressed amongst us is the size of her bank account. Admittedly, having high disposable income allows you to indulge a bit more (buying what you want, when you want), but that does not necessarily translate to having enviable style. That is because having style is a matter of having good taste… and one can have a refined palate regardless of budget. Hence, an essential element for crafting a polished appearance is to develop a penchant for Quality, Taste, and Style. Remember, the winning combination is:
*Quality over Quantity *Discerning Taste *Selective Style
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Learn the Language of Style
Style Secrets
Perhaps the meme should have read, “You’re not Ugly, Just Uninformed”, because in essence, a lack of style is usually one of two things; either the person does not know how to achieve a stylish appearance, or they simple do not care. The latter is a personal choice that we should respect, but there is no reason that a desirer of style cannot improve her appearance if she so chooses. She simply needs to have the knowledge to do so, and like most things in life, to know how means that she has to be willing to learn how. This means investing the time, energy, and funds into educating yourself on style and fashion; buy personal styling books*, watch style programs, follow gurus, read my blog, or better yet, book a consultation with a stylist (I’m available, even on Skype).
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Focus on Fit Not Size
The fashion industry has done a great job at convincing women that size matters; the lower the number the better you look. This is known as “vanity sizing” and it has seduced women into buying illfitting garments simply because they managed to squeeze into a smaller size. Once they get home buyer’s remorse sets in because they realise just how uncomfortable they look and feel. What most do not know or choose to ignore is that although there are standardised size charts and grade rules for garments, these “rules” are affected by several variables such as brand, fabric, drape, margin for error, and even country of production. Also, not only does our bodies change over the years, sizes do too. A US size 12 in the 60’s is now considered a size 6. Consequently, the correct size for you will vary by garment. So ignore the number on the tag, and focus on how well the garment fits and moulds to the contours of your body. Also, consider your level of comfort and ability to move gracefully in the garment. Lastly, ensure that all areas fit properly, even if that mean going for a larger size. For instance, choose the pencil skirt that fits the width of your hip even if that means the waist is too big because that can be easily be remedied by skillful hands (see Style Secret number 4).
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TFF is your New BFF
A TFF (Tailor Friend Forever) is essentially your style fairy godmother; capable of transforming the most potato-baglike garment into the perfect fit. Every stylist and high-end boutique has a list of tailors on speed dial because most garments come in ‘standard’ sizes so they have to be altered to fit the unique characteristics of a client’s bodies. This makes tailors the unsung heroes of the fashion and style industry; working behind the scene to deliver the flawless fit.
"Tailor Friend
Forever"
A lady of style seeks out a skilled tailor who understands her taste, style, and body type; then nurtures a relationship with him or her; trust me, it pays back dividends. ....................................................................................................................................................................................................
*See My Top 5 Personal Styling Books on pages 2 & 22.
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Style Secrets
Do Not Be A Fashion Victim
BO NU
A true lady of style is not just fashion savvy, she is also wise and unwasteful. She views her closet as a bank and every piece she adds as a deposit. She is very wary of the siren call of sales and uses discretion when spending because it is always at the forefront of her mind that style is not just about looking good, it’s also about living good.
S
Do not be a fashion victim! You know what I mean — one of those ladies who is always on trend or decked out in designer duds but still look cheap*, or those who have closets overflowing with clothes but never have anything to wear, or worse, those whose cup runneth over with the latest gear but their bank account is on empty.
Short plus Tight multiplied by Bare Does not Equal Sexy
I might be beating a dead horse with this one given the fact that skin is so in right now. The current trend of sheer and bare are influencing women to wear less and less in more and more places. [Disclaimer: I am no prude, I’m West Indian (Carnival is in my blood), I have no objections to a woman baring bits of her body] So I am not knocking the déshabillé trend. I’m also an equalist and believe that a woman has the right to dictate how she shows off her body, but I still think that everything has its place and time (call me old school).
I strongly believe that dressing is still a form of etiquette, yes, even in our era. What we wear can be a polite form of saying that we respect and consider others. Furthermore, dressing modestly does not mean that you have foregone your sexuality. Sometimes the most modestly dressed lady in the room is the most captivating. So, when you do decide to show some skin, please do so strategically and tastefully.
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The FRow Reserved for the stylish Elite
Front Row-worthy Style by: Yasya Minochkina
A/W 2015
Art Director & Stylist: Ree van Dijk Photographed by: Nadia Rosenburg 7
Classic silhouettes are updated with vibrant colors, clever fabrics,
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and immaculate tailoring to create a contemporary cool collection.
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The Art of Personal Packaging The Essential Concepts
Whether you consciously acknowledge it or not, image is important. You visually telegraph messages about yourself to others through your overall image and personal style. So it is no surprise that proponents and practitioners of personal branding advocate purposeful personal packaging. Your image is intrinsic to how others perceive you, and thus how they treat you. Therefore, controlling the impact of your appearance on others can be a powerful tool in achieving your goals. Whether you are a professional seeking an effective career marketing tool, or simply an individual who wants to shine, the art of personal packaging is an authentic method to get you noticed for all the right reasons.
“Purposeful Personal Packaging”
To become proficient in this art you must subscribe to these essential concepts:
There’s No Image Without Looks
It can be quite easy to dismiss your physical appearance as a superficial strand when contemplating a profound response to the question of “Who am I?”. Yet it is your physical characteristics coupled with your choice of personal adornment that make you identifiable to others. So essentially, in the eyes of the others, your packaging is you. A common misconception is that image and looks are one and the same. Your image is others mental perception of you and your looks or physical appearance is one of several factors that influence that perception. Effective personal packaging marries your physical appearance with other important aspects such as your personality, lifestyle, convictions, and goals. So to project a favourable image you must develop and maintain the look that is right for you. ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Published in Moscow Expat Life Spring 2015 Edition
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Personal Packaging Your Clothes are Talking About You
Because others view your personal packaging as an expression of who you are, how you look and present yourself speaks volumes about you. You send an abundance of nonverbal messages via the silent language of clothes, body language, and overall appearance. Others receive these messages and use them to make visceral assumptions about you; your health, wealth, credibility, trustworthiness etc.
They’re Also Talking to You
More often than not when you look good you feel good. You feel more confident and inspired, and may even experience improved performance. The reverse is also true; if you feel your appearance is not appropriate to
“ultimately your choice in personal packaging should present a genuine image of you”
context then your confidence falters. This happens because you are also receiving those nonverbal cues sent out by your appearance. Science refers to this as “enclothed cognition”; a term coined by Adam D. Galinsky, a professor at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
A Dress Code is Required
A personal dress code is a fixed requirement of personal packaging. You have to decide what you want your appearance to say about you and then develop guidelines to help you make the right selfpackaging choices. Your personal code will guide your choices in all aspects of life; from professional to leisure wear. Eventually, you will find your signature style; a particular look that people readily associate with you. It is important to note that there is no single best style; if it was that simple a generic do’s and don’t list would suffice for everyone. The best style for you is purely dependent on you; your preferences and your goals. Your objective should be to align you appearance with who you are on the inside. Of course, you can look to others with similar professions or interests to inspire your choices, but ultimately your choice in personal packaging should present a genuine image of you. ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Mix, Match, and Multiply The Cluster Concept
Elevate your everyday style by creating a cluster. All you need are a few pieces [stay tuned for caveat] and you can create a super versatile and awesomely functional wardrobe. Use my foolproof 1,2,3,4 technique and style your way to a much more contented and fabulous you.
You get all these, plus more!
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And here is the aforementioned caveat: Your selections must contain pieces that work well together. Therefore, you have to match aspects such as colour, texture, shape, season, and even style. To ensure a fresh and trendy outfit with each combination it’s best to invest in a cache of shoes, bags, and accessories. With a few power pumps, 14 pretty purses, and statement necklaces you can turn your cluster of everyday staples into show-stopping ensembles.
Modern Golden Age
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She, the sinner and the saint, She, who exudes sensuality, yet
She is clothed in grace.
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Look Stylish At Every Price
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Look like a million bucks without spending a fortune. Those who have mastered the art of eternal style know better than to rely solely on renowned brands to conceive envy-worthy ensembles. They know that although fashion is expensive, style is not. So, they use their honed fashion sense to select the right pieces from high-end, low-end, and every price in between. They learned how to mix their high-end designer pieces with cheaper items to create immaculate voguish outfits that skimp on cost, but never on style. This styling technique is known as the high-low concept and has been applied by personal stylists for years. It is their secret weapon to combat the ever-rising price of fashion, while delivering spotlight-worthy style to their clients. Even wealthy A-listers such as style icons Angelina Jolie and Beyoncé have adopted this trick of the trade.
without. They not only deliver a high cost-per-wear ratio, but also, their classic appeal withstands the test of time. Although these pieces may vary by fashion personality and lifestyle, some common investment buys are shoes and bags crafted from the finest leather, cashmere scarves and sweaters, formal wear, and vintage jewelry.
Know When to Scrimp
As an ardent fashion-forwarder, there are two main times when you should readily buy low-end; when you find an item of high quality and when you want to partake of the latest fad. It is important to always keep in mind the cost-per-wear ratio and do not let your penchant for bargains trick you into wasting funds. Even the cheapest item worn only once is more costly than an expensive item worn hundreds of times.
But like all skills, high-low styling To spot great pieces at even better has to be applied correctly to prices you have to learn to attain the high level of dynamic recognize quality. You have to novel elegance you sought. A develop a keen understanding of mismatch will most likely result what makes high fashion so in a tragic faux pas whereas All Style Sets in this article are by: coveted. For example: flawless execution stands Luxury Fabrics: Ree van Dijk testament to your discriminating Silks, Wools, Linens, Cottons … style and fashion prowess. So here are two indispensable Impeccable Craftsmanship: Proper fit, Flat seams, Even lower hemlines … insider tips to help you mix and match your way to an Distinctive Designs: affordable stylish new you. Interesting silhouettes, Refined details, Elegant Prints …
1. Develop Your Wardrobe
Know When to Splurge
The first and most important rule is to consider each purchase carefully. Each buy should be viewed as a longterm investment into your “closet bank”. So, when you decide to splurge on an item it should promise longevity, inimitability, and most importantly, it should complement you--your body and your style.
To find an assortment of bons plans you can always browse the selection offered by the well-known fastfashion retailers; the Zara’s and H & M’s of the fashion market. But a savvy shopper knows that there are many chic-for-cheap thrills to be found at flea markets, vintage stores, thrift stores, designer outlets, discount stores, and even designer sales at luxury retailers.
It is for this reason master-mixers tend to restrict their fashion indulgences to wardrobe staples. These are the workhorses of your wardrobe; the items you just can’t live 20
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Published in Moscow Expat Life Winter 2014 Edition
Match It
2. Master the Art
Look Stylish
Even with your stock of fabulous finds there is still the matter of mixing them together to pull off a high-low creation successfully. A good rule of thumb to follow is to use one high-end item as the benchmark of your outfit, then pair it with complementing lower-end pieces. No piece should look inferior, but instead, each piece should rise to the level of quality portrayed by your high-end investment. Together, all the pieces should create a harmonised fashion chorus.
Upgrade It
Another helpful tip is to enhance the look and feel of your chic-for-cheap item. A more refined aesthetics can be achieved with a bit of professional tailoring or even simple alterations done with your own hands. For instance, it will take you but minutes to swap out those tawdry plastic buttons on your cotton blouse for more classy ones; and voilà, you’ve enhanced the look and increased the value tenfold. Now that you have been enlightened, go ahead and make a bold fashion statement in your highlow creations. Pair your Gucci with Gap, your Prada with Promod, your Hermes with H&M. You will not only feel good because you look great, but also, your pragmatic approach to shopping will leave you with a peaceful state of mind.
“Your Gucci with Gap, your Prada with Promod, your Hermes with H&M”
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L-R London | Venice | Rome
Tsum, Moscow
L-R Dubai | Moscow | Miami
L-R Amsterdam | Provence
MoMu, Antwerp
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Lion Park, Johannesburg
R-L Barcelona | Singapore | Pisa
R-L Paris | Lake Como
R-L Bangkok | Bali | Koh Samui
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3. The Little Black Book of Style ~ Nina Gacia Best for: Anyone Interested in Fashion (Must-Have)
Top 5 Personal Styling Guides… (Ever?) cont.
In this wonderful and easy to read book Nina Garcia teaches the difference between owning fashionable clothes and having great style. She writes with authority, discernment, and a healthy dose of humour which makes this book both fun and informative.
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It is definitely one of my favourite books and one which I reach for ever so often when I need inspiration or a witty quote. The fashion illustrations adds a bit of je ne sais quoi to this little black number, and the collection of tips by some of fashion’s top aficionados is priceless.
4. A Guide to Quality, Taste, Style ~ Tim Gunn
Best for: The Resolute (Nice to Have) Much like the author, this book is a candid, no-nonsense approach to personal styling. Gunn writes with a certain level of clarity and profoundness that only a veteran of the industry can achieve. His book targets the core issues that tend to hinder women’s ability to achieve a stylish persona. Furthermore, he sprinkles the book with little nuggets of wisdom that have a lasting impact on the reader. His goal is to make a connoisseur out you; a lady with discerning taste and great style. So, if you are committed to taking your style to the next level and ready to put in the work, this is the book for you.
5. The Little Dictionary of Fashion: A Guide to Dress Sense for Every Woman ~ Christian Dior Best for: Learning the Lingo of Fashion (Nice to Have)
Written by the maestro himself, Christian Dior, The Little Dictionary of Fashion is a worthy investment for any woman who is serious about attaining the highest level of elegance and style. This little gem of a book is filled with incredible styling advice that have withstood the test of time. It allows us to get an insight into the principles that shaped Dior’s designs, much of which are centred around practicality and effortless style. Admittedly, because the book was published in 1954 the language and a few tips are a bit passé, but much like a vintage garment, those features add to the charm and value of the book.
EDUCATION
MASTER OF FINE ARTS Fashion Merchandising Academy of Art University San Francisco, CA 2013 – 2019 (expected) BACHELOR OF SCIENCE Global Business Management University of Phoenix Phoenix, AZ 2010 – 2012
Creative Writing
Image Consulting Fashion Institute of Technology NYC, NY 2014 Delta Mu Delta Lambda Sigma Chapter International Honor Society 2012
EXPERTISE
CERTIFICATES
Visual Storytelling Color Psychology
Styling Techniques
Concept Development
Market Research & Analysis
Trend Identification & Application
Personal & Nonverbal Branding
+971 56 825 3399 Ree@reevandijk.com Reevandijk.com @Reevandijk
"My clients come to me because of the way they look, they stay because of the way they feel" ~ Ree van Dijk
Fashion Styling Editorials Lookbooks Ad Campaigns Personal Styling Makeovers Wardrobe Analysis Personal Shopping Color Analysis
To Return this portfolio:
Call:+971 56 825 3399 Email: Ree@reevandijk.com Post: P.O. Box 66230 Dubai, UAE ReevanDijk.com