My Couture

“Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” A familiar adage that has inspired entry-level employees to purchase their first suit and seasoned executives to have their clothing tailor-made. Professionals have been coached on how to “dress for success” for decades and nowhere has that message been made clearer than among professional women.

American women hold almost 52% of all management and professional level jobs and represent over 12 million businesses in the U.S. Propelled forward by skill and pure grit, women have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to take ownership of their career success and use their platform to inspire women following their lead.

If you look closer at the women disrupting the status quo, like Former First Lady, bestselling author, and style icon Michelle Obama, not only are they thought leaders and change agents, they are fashion forward artisans, crafting a personal brand that masterfully balances substance with style, and wielding that influence powerfully.

But you don’t have to take up residence in the White House to level up your fashion sense or run a Fortune 500 company...yet. You can dress impeccably right where you are by keeping a few things in mind as you build out your wardrobe.

Wardrobe choices matter.

Women in leadership, or aspiring to be, should be keenly aware that not only are your achievements on display when you walk in the room, so is your appearance. Whether you like it or not, people will make assumptions about you and your abilities based on the clothes on your back and the confidence in our stride.

When you feel good about your appearance, you are more confident in your ability to take on bigger challenges. You stop looking at your feet and walk boldly, head up, meeting decision makers eye to eye and taking on new projects at work.

So, select pieces that flatter your skin tone and accentuate your best features. Go for items that are both elegant and functional, perfect for the professional woman on the go. And treat yourself to a few bespoke pieces made to your unique measurements to ensure fit and ignite your confidence.

By upgrading your wardrobe, you send a strong signal that you’re ready to go to the next level, and now you have one of the most essential assets to help you get there – the look.

Dressing impeccably enhances what’s already there.

While clothing doesn’t make you who you are, they do help bring out the best of who you are. This boost in self-worth is palpable and can be felt by everyone around you. A well-dressed woman is a magnet, attracting the admiration of those in her circle and the envy of those on the outside looking in.

Despite a growing trend of more “relaxed, flexible attire” at work, women who give careful thought to their appearance not only honor themselves in that moment, but everyone she encounters and does so by presenting her best self at all times. These women understand the importance of having a uniform that defines who they are and what they believe about themselves. As Coco Chanel said, “Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.”

Building a reputation for impeccable dress not only gets you noticed but keeps you top of mind, which may lead to more opportunities down the road.

Photo credit: Dokk Savage

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As party season fast approaches, one of the main things on our mind is finding the perfect party wear piece to see us through the endless array of sequin-worthy events in style. With so many different clubs, bars and venues around, choosing what to wear is an even bigger challenge than deciding on where to go. We feel your pain girl, so we’ve searched for essential and effortless pieces to amp up your night-out outfits. To combat this annual wardrobe predicament, we've turned to some of our #Alleygals at work for help by asking them what they would pick as their party hero piece for festive frolicking, along with some glamorous ways to wear them. They agree that the key to the perfect cocktail dress for your night out is luxe fabrics and glam detailing that take things to the next level. If you’re looking for something fancy without breaking the bank, these will take you places!

Vaidehi, Visual Merchandiser – Nothing says party like some serious all-over sequins – I love the body-hugging shape and the flawless slit which look great with my favorite pencil heels. Layer over a long-line jacket in a solid color for a way to wear it during the day too – don’t just save the sequins for a night out. 

Sushmita, PR & Social Media Manager – I’m all for comfy at the moment, so although I appreciate a sequined number, there’s nothing more enticing than a bit of soft velvet, especially when the cut is so flattering and in my favourite colour – midnight black! I totally love the high slit as it adds more definition to the piece. A simple but effective party outfit! 

Dakshita, Designer – I mostly go for maxi dresses because of my height as it adds an edge to my personality. I’m in love with all things glitter these days, and this shimmery metallic dress was love at first sight for me! The fit and flare style along with the one shoulder detail makes this outfit so glamorous, sophisticated, chic and has a Cinderella-meets-disco-ball vibe to it! 

Amrinder, Stylist – I love how they gave a perfect twist to the LBD here and transformed it to a sexy tuxedo dress. The outfit instantly makes me feel confident and classy. I created a little contrast by wearing it with these amazing oxblood suede thigh-high boots. It’s incredible how this look is so very bold and formal at the same time!

Khushboo, Senior Merchandiser – Two words – bodycons & midis! This season’s prettiest midis come in sparkling hues and are back with a bang for the party season! Nothing feels better than a sparkling bodycon midi dress at a party, of-course, apart from the cocktails! This dress hugs my curves at all the right places and fits me like a dream. It makes me feel like a #bosslady even out of work and gives me so much confidence! 

Shristi, Designer – Sequins and velvet? Groundbreaking! This metallic gold sequined skirt is the best thing I’ve added to my party wardrobe this season. I paired it with this really cute choker-neck velvet top to dress down the outfit a little. 

Vershanjali, Designer – Disco is back and this dress totally proves it right! This strappy sequined dress enhances my curves and makes me feel like a million dollars! I love how it adds more structure to my figure and is a perfect outfit to kick-off a night out! 

“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.” As timeless as her collections, Coco Chanel’s fashion advice continues to influence culture and fashion today. As women rise to new heights professionally, we take particular interest in our appearance. Not to minimize our ability and skill, but to accentuate it. What we wear is an extension of who we are and what we believe about ourselves. While confidence cannot be purchased, it can be expressed in the fabric on our backs and the shoes on our feet. As Marilyn Monroe once said, “give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.”

Confidence is our uniform. It fortifies and propels us forward. For today’s modern woman is a change agent. She is running a Fortune 500 company and leading in her community. She is raising a family while going back to school. Today’s modern woman has trampled stereotypes and shattered barriers. Confidence is our uniform for success and it is deeply rooted in how we dress.

Dressing impeccably gives no place to discomfort or conformity but makes room for self-expression and transformation. Because when you feel good about how you look and how that look feels on you, your head is lifted and your footing surer, as you stroll in to command the room.

We salute that modern woman today with the launch of Bryla J Couture Clothiers for she has mastered the art of living boldly.

Between glitzy Divas, pageant queens, bachelorette parties, and New Year’s Eve clichés, sequins often are reserved for evening excursions. When in fact, sequins can look extremely chic any time of day when styled in a modern way.

The key is to not let the sequins overpower the outfit and be the only thing people look at. You want your look to be balanced and daytime appropriate.

Look 1
Sequin Skirt with Basic Top and a Pullover
If you feel like a sequin skirt is calling your name, wear it with a basic top and your favorite pullover. You could totally get away with wearing this look when heading out with your girls for a day out.

Look 2
Sequin Shrug with Basic Top and Ripped Jeans
Pair the sequin shrug with a basic top to look glam while ripped jeans adds just the right amount of ruggedness to complete this beautiful ensemble. This look is perfect if you are planning to go on a shopping spree.

Look 3
Sequin Dress with a Blazer
Styling a structured blazer with your sequin dress will give you a look that’s both laid-back and glamorous which is perfect for your office wear.