Seasons

Well, I have been gone awhile again, out of town with my family. And when I returned, it was beginning to happen. The subtle change in clothing collections to darker colors. The start of the fall pieces coming into stores. The August magazine layouts will be all about autumn. Holidays have in recent years been introduced in stores earlier and earlier, but fashion has always been several weeks to months ahead of the season. That is because way ahead of the actual season, fabrics have to be chosen, patterns and styles decided upon, orders taken at market, and garments produced and delivered to retailers. Buyers place orders 5 to 6 months before delivery, that means fall orders were placed around April. Fashion also has more than four seasons; winter, cruise, spring, summer and fall. There may be one in between summer and fall (I can't remember) and there is a always a holiday collection. Cruise is mid-January through February. That's why most department stores will have a small area for bathing suits and nautical type pieces after the New Year. These "rules" have been in place for forever. So, while we're still wearing our white eyelet and sandals, somewhere designers are drawing and coming up with what we'll be buying next spring. It's a crazy world in fashion, but I love it! Enjoy the summer sales!

Little Things Matter

As with your children, a party, friends, decorating your home, etc., in fashion, little things make a difference. The other morning I was putting on a sheer top with a cami under it and the cami had a split in the side seam. I knew it was there but had continued to wear it under tops that hid the tear. When I looked in the mirror, I realized it was showing, looked bad, and needed to be fixed or taken off. I ran upstairs to my sewing machine and grabbed a needle and thread, turned the cami up to my waist and stitched it up. It looked 100% better and I didn't have to change. The way some might have to dash out and get flowers for the table, do that special little bedtime routine for your 4 yr. old, or have the perfect wine for dinner, you also need to put that extra touch into your clothing. Actually, stitching a tear isn't a special touch, just following good style rules: no tears, stains, or ill-fitting clothing. But, it was a little thing and it did matter. If your shoes are scuffed, polish them, if your under things are all stretched out, get some that aren't, if your blouse is stained, launder it. Most fixes are easy and cheap and definitely worth it. Remember, the little things matter, in all aspect of our lives. Sorry I've been gone awhile, I won't be away so long next time. So,til then, have fun, be kind, and dress well!

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!