Why I Love Working Retail

Yes, you read the title correctly. I enjoy working retail, and trust me, it's not for the money or recognition. If you are looking for either of those things in life, this is not the career for you. I have come to the realization that 90% of people will never take my job seriously.

I commonly get asked/told things that are both straight forward and slighted jabs. 

Ex: "So, when are you going to start looking for a real job?"

Ex: "It must be nice to work a mindless job for a while."

Ex: "I could never just sell clothes all day."

All you haters listen up! I love what I do and there are far better reasons than money and recognition to do something in life. I enjoy meeting the people I work with every day. People come to me and I get to help them put together outfits for their life! It may not be brain surgery, but it is FUN. I go to work and get to enjoy it every day. I have amazing coworkers who are fun and naturally we are all outgoing, strong women.

I have developed strong relationships with many of my clients. They call me to order them things or my favorite is when they come in to simply say "hi" and see what new things we have in. I have clients from all over the country as well as Canada and Mexico. I always know what is going on with current events as well as events coming up in my area. I get to have conversations with clients with all sorts of backgrounds and careers. I love knowing I am creating a positive experience in our customer's lives.

The environment of retail is always fast and upbeat. Everything is always changing rapidly. It is my job to be ahead of trends and be able to educate others on what is right for them. 

But let me tell you: if you think my job is in any way "mindless", you have another thing coming. In order to be successful, not only do you have to be quick on your feet but also quick witted. You are constantly solving people's questions and concerns. Socially, you must be top notch. Verbage is huge when it comes to sales. Knowing what to say and how to say something is not a skill that a lot of people have. You must always be honest, but sensitive to their feelings. You must always be directive, but not pushy.  And the number one thing you must ALWAYS be is patient. Never must a customer hear or feel that you are losing patience with them, otherwise the whole thing is over and YOU failed, not the customer. 

Retail is not for everyone, but it is a career that I find rewarding, and at the end of the day, if you do what you love, the rest will come naturally.

XO Tyler Jane

What to Wear to a Wedding

Here in Arizona, Autumn is the most popular time for wedding season. I have worked extensively with clients who are looking for what to wear to a wedding, both Mother of the Brides/ Grooms (aka MOB or MOG), and guests. Today I am going to lay it out for everyone by answering a few commonly asked questions as well as show examples!

Commonly Asked Question #1: "How soon should I start looking?"

This is a question that gets asked to me EVERYTIME. Although it is an exciting time and you are so thrilled for your daughter/son/sister/cousin/friend/etc., it is best to wait until 3-5 weeks before the wedding to look for your dress.

If you start looking too soon, you will be looking at dresses that don't coordinate with the season of the wedding (ex: shopping in December for a June wedding). The fabrics, colors, and styles will all change by the time the wedding comes around and you will no longer be happy with the dress you bought months back.

3-5 weeks is perfect timing so that you are in style and have time for any needed alterations and accessorizing.

Commonly Asked Question #2: "Should I wear a full length or cocktail length dress?"

This can be answered by considering the following:

• Are the bridesmaids wearing long or short dresses?
• Is it a night or day wedding?
• What does the attire say on the invitation?
• And always the most important question, WHAT DOES THE BRIDE WANT?

There really are no rules when it comes to length, but it is nice to consider these things when trying to decide what is most appropriate for the occasion. Also, if you are not %100 comfortable showing your knees try some hosiery! It is not out of date at all in this kind setting, and it does wonders for those varicose veins or knee troubles.

Sidenote for the mothers: At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember when planning all this craziness is that after the bride and groom, the mothers are the most important people there. Wear what you love and feel comfortable in, and have some fun!

Commonly Asked Question #3: "Is it okay to wear black?"

I personally feel that wearing black is a taboo that is long gone. If you are most comfortable in black, then ROCK IT! The only no-no left with color at a wedding is NO WHITE (DUH). Everything else in my opinion is perfectly acceptable.

Sidenote: If you usually like black, but don't feel comfortable, a great alternative is navy.

Favorite looks for MOBs and MOGs:

The top row is all Tadashi Shoji. This is my absolute favorite brand with a close second of Adrianna Papell found right underneath. Both brands have a great understanding of what a more mature customer is looking for (thicker fabrics and modesty). Ralph Lauren is another fabulous brand to keep in mind!

Favorite looks for guests:

Nothing is more fun than having a reason to shop for a fun party dress! These three brands are my personal "go-to's" when looking for a cute dress to wear to any special occasion. 

Thanks for stopping by!

XO Tyler Jane

October: Exciting Amazingness Month

WOWZA! I cannot believe October is here! I have so many things to be excited for:

1. My first anniversary

2. Breast Cancer Awareness Month

3. Halloween

Although I have only been married a year, I feel as though I have learned so much and am so thankful to be on this wonderful adventure of marriage. Omar is so many things I am not, and has taught me a lot about life and helped me look at things in a better light. I could not be more grateful that God has brought us together. He has made me more accountable for my own actions as well as helped me stand up for myself when needed. He is the hardest worker I know and very multi-fasceted. He supports me and gives me meaningful advice. 

Family Photo from our Engagement Photo Shoot

I am also proud to announce that this is the second year he has been nominated as a Best of the Valley candidate for Best Hair Stylist in the Arizona Foothills magazine. Here is a link in case you are interested in voting. (I would be forever in your favor!) 

Best of the Vally: Best Hair Stylist

Secondly, Breast Cancer Awareness month holds a special place in my heart. My mother Lynne Bryson passed away in 2000 from Breast Cancer. At the time I was 12 years old and never really talked about it very often. This year I have decided to take action. I am trying to raise enough money to participate in the 3-day Susan G. Komen walk. 60 miles in 3 days! Our team tents together overnight and we have all kinds of fun. In order to participate, though I need to raise a minimum of $2300. So far I have about $1000, which is a great start, but now I only have a month left! Luckily, an old high school pal has started selling bracelets on her website to help me out. It is only $12.00 and $8.00 of each bracelet goes to me! Here is the link to check out her website:

Sophistifunk Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet

or here is the link to go directly to my website to learn more about my efforts and donate directly:

Susan G. Komen Profile

And lastly, many people don't know this but I am obsessed with Halloween and decorations and festivities and pumpkins and hot drinks and fireplaces and snuggling and all things fall!! AHHH

need a moment to calm down...

Okay so moving forward, this season I tried something new! A group of ladies from my church had a little get together to make fall wreaths. I was so excited. I had no idea what I was doing and my wreath turned out AWESOME. Seriously, even if you are the worst craft person ever, if you are looking to do something fun for fall to add a little domestic decorating to your home. Try making a wreath: instant ego boost.

My wreath hanging on my front door!

In a couple weeks I am hosting a pumpkin carving party so I am excited for that as well! Hope my updates on life and love have been entertaining for you, and please support my husband and more importantly the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Here is a song that popped into my head as I was writing this blog, just a simple reminder that everything good and bad happens for a reason....

Darius Rucker: This

XO Tyler Jane