What Style Are You?

I met with a magazine employee the other day and we were discussing the many facets of women. The topic turned to style and helping women discover what they felt and looked best wearing. I told her, as I realized a long while ago, I don't have a particular style. I may be a little bold in my outfits at times but I love different looks. I also appreciate someone creative enough to have a "look" and cause me to take a second look even if I don't like it. A classic Audrey Hepburn look will always be in, right for an event, and ageless. The RL Polo preppy style which J. Crew, Gap and others emulate well, is another wonderful timeless clothing choice. A not so timeless look, but very in now are 70's inspired or boho pieces. If you have an outdoor event a maxi would be perfect to wear now. Wide leg jeans come under the 70's category too. Sometimes I like to put on a kind of rock 'n roll outfit with skinny jeans, gladiator heels and a cool top. I love color and Pucci inspired prints, ribbed tanks with walking shorts and flats, 50's dresses with gathered skirts and pumps (think Sarah Jessica Parker), and the list goes on. Many of my friends do have their style and colors they stick to and I don't think they should change too much, it's who they are, but I like to think that others of us are multi-layered in our dress and personality. We like to mix it up a bit, keep people wondering, change with our mood, and have a few surprises up our sleeve. Doesn't that make our lives a little more interesting? And what better way to portray those differences than with our clothing?! Have fun out there! Remember, what others see is their first impression of you. Always,

Fit, Fit, Fit, Fit, Fit.....

No don't throw one, just make sure everything fits and lays appropriately. Sometimes in the dressing room in the midst of trying to find that great outfit, you will rationalize that when it's ironed it will lay right, or at home you can pin that gap, or if you wear a cami or the right underwear it really does fit. Sometimes all that is true, often it is not. If you are tugging or having to suck in your stomach in the dressing room, chances are it does not fit. Learn to let disappointment over one outfit motivate you to find the better one somewhere else. Rarely does a garment look on the average person the way it does on a mannequin or in a magazine. But the fun challenge is to take the "look" and translate it to your body type. Usually some part of the outfit you see advertised can be used in a style that works for you. Again, it can be a challenge but when it comes together you look great! As always, I can help so please call because I love my job! Until next time,

"The List"

Today there won't be a topic. I am going to give you an all important list to get you through all seasons. What is best for your body type, the hard, cold facts! Here we go (in no particular order):

• shoes are important, style, color and condition
• curlier hair adds pounds, straighter hair elongates
• panty lines are never appropriate
• bigger clothes just make you look bigger, they don't hide
• corporate climate has generally loosened some but professionalism and modesty still take priority,although with accents, color, and fit you can still look modern
• shoes and bags don't have to match anymore
• don't let size dictate your purchases, you may need to go up or down, everyone does, it depends on brand and designer
• if you have wide hips, balance by bringing focus to collarbone and shoulders
• don't wear faded, stained, or torn clothing, it is a reflection of you
• to disguise a tummy, wear a flowy top that ends right past the hip bone, a longer shirred top, an A-line skirt, but beware the maternity look
• most women look best with their hem just above the kneecap, maybe and inch or so up or down; although much shorter women need to show more leg; age and height should dictate
• if you are wearing a body hugging dress, invest in an undergarment that shapes you
• find a good tailor, most people will need one at some point
• dress the body you have now, not will or did have

Okay, I'll stop for now. I'll have more later. Talk to you soon!

Reflections on a Closet

I started on my hands and knees on the floor. I found a pair of Target flipflops and boots that were way old and didn't even fit anymore! As you can see, sometimes it's do as I say, not as I do. There is no excuse for my closet to be in the shape it was, although, I keep telling my husband it's too small so how could I help it!? So, is the closet a reflection of me, my life. Yeah, I think it was. There was stuff (not just clothes) not needed anymore, it was not terribly organized, winter was not put away yet (but certainly not wearing!), impulse pieces, etc. So, the other day, in I went and put some order to my clothing. A stylist should do as she says! Now, it's mostly good, bags of items have gone to Goodwill, shoes are in order, sweaters folded and packed, and only things I love and that fit are at home in my small closet. How's yours doing? Does the clothing represent body issues, disorganization, life baggage? If it does, don't feel alone and feel that it is hopeless. It's not. You've heard the rules before, if you haven't worn it in....you just need someone to cheer and guide you through the process. There are very easy and simple ways to clean out and fill in with what makes you look and feel like you. Who you are and want to be. Call me, I've been there and I'll help. Thanks and have a great weekend!

Proportion and Such

Hello, it's been awhile!!!! To my 8 readers (just kidding) i'm sorry it's been so long. Today I just wanted to ramble a minute about length and height, heavy and light, wide and skinny etc. For instance, if you have chosen a great billowy top, belted or not, the bottom half of the outfit should be fitted or body skimming. A flounced or gored skirt won't work, there will be a balloon effect. The opposite is also true, if your top is very form fitting then a wide leg pant or fuller skirt will look just right. If you are lucky enough to be tall and slender, fitted top to bottom is fine. If you happen to be under around 5'6 or so, you will need to be aware of your skirt, shorts and pant lengths. Your skirts do not generally need to be below your knee, a tad above or depending on your age, go shorter. Cropped pants are tricky too, make sure enough calf is showing or your legs will look chopped. Shorts will follow the same rule as skirts. Jewelry falls into this category also. If you have one piece that really stands out, it is bold, colorful, heavy, lots of metal, heavily gemmed, etc., don't make it fight for notice. The other pieces need to be kept simple. And sometimes a "fierce" pair of shoes will be all you need! What you can do this spring is mix textures, subtle patterns, colors, and dressy pieces with more casual items. Remember also the rule, just because it's your size doesn't' mean it fits! Call me for help with all this and more. Thanks and have a wonderful weekend..... Blame all typos on my cat!

Observations

I learn so much when I go out of town. It is a great people watching opportunity. These are some "styles" I saw: Knee length leopard coat and pants, in Tampa, around 80 degrees; long bleach blond hair, large bust with a TIGHT white top, white short shorts, heels, hot pink lipstick, and around 55 years old; bathing suits way too small; and of course jeans, too short, too tight, too low, pleated waists and straight legs. Some would say they're happy with the way they look. I agree, don't change because some magazine tells you to, but there is a difference in being secure in your body and style and looking ridiculous. On the other hand, there were women and men of all shapes and sizes with great spring looks; bermuda shorts, flats, and flowy tops, straight jeans and colorful heels, wonderful warm weather dresses. I love spring, it is a wonderful time to spruce up your look. Again, there are some great deals at the stores now so take an afternoon or evening and cruise the sale racks. And of course, the new summer looks are all over the place with color, texture, and design. Get in touch and let me work with you to feel and look great this summer!

Good Info

There are several magazines out now that I think have some very informative articles. The first is Allure. The whole publication (I think) is dedicated to skin care and anti-aging products. Skin care stuff can get so overwhelming and pretty repetitive but this magazine has done a good job of listing over-the-counter products and prescription recommendations. The second is this months' In Style. It is all about color and what skin tones look good in which shades. Plus, tons of good outfit ideas. Just remember, the color section is guide, not the last word on what would look good on you. A third one that I enjoy looking at is Lucky. It is not geared toward women over age 40 but younger women can get some funky ideas from the outfit selections. Of course to get the latest take on runway fashions, Vogue should be your choice. And finally, to be informed on all the fashion industry news and looks for fall/winter, the publication Women's Wear Daily is the bible! Hope some of this helps, also, be checking the stores for spring sales, they will already have their really warm weather, summer looks out and be looking to move the spring items. And of course, call me to do it all for you! See ya next time......