Reality, Body Image, Metallics, and Michelle

I had minor back surgery a couple weeks ago and would usually have spent my recovery time reading and watching news channels ( I am a news/political junkie). Unfortunately, I got so down watching all the economy junk, I turned to reality t.v. What a circus some of that stuff is! But, while watching, and I don't even remember all the ones I watched, I realized so many of the women were so focused on the perceived negatives about their bodies. So, many times they over emphasized other parts, their make-up, hair, over tanning etc. I also read an article in Glamour maybe? about how we pay so much attention to every bump and flaw. It's hard not to try and hide what we don't like but I believe all shapes and sizes can be dressed and styled to be attractive. For instance, there are women that are not a size 6 or physically beautiful, but when make-up, hair, and clothing that fits is done tastefully, current, and age appropriate, these women can turn heads. I wish I could think of an example. All this to say, take the time and effort to look like the best you. Sure, work out, get pedicures if you want, highlight your hair if needed, and dress stylishly, but not to an extreme and it needs to be what works for your body, age, life, not someone on a magazine cover or tv screen. Maybe an example could be former first lady Laura Bush. She certainly is not supermodel material but on I believe their 2nd inaugural ball, she wore a white gown, 2 piece I think, and looked beautiful. She was the example of beauty and grace. Through out their term the way she carried herself and her demure style fit her perfectly. Which brings me to our present first lady. I tried to resist the hoopla about her and take more time deciding but I don't need more time. What fun to have such a fashion forward first lady! She looks spectacular. Note, not a size 6 but so toned, no really high heels, key accessories, make her really stand out. Check-out mrs.o.org for more pictures of her. Well, I will end on some fashion do's for the season and summer. Anything metallic. Purses, shoes, tops, scarves. Get something that shines! Florals. Even shoes have flowers on them. Try a billowy top or an A-line skirt. Maybe a cute pair of JCrew shorts. The last do is a great blazer or jacket. Unstructured or fitted, 3/4 or long sleeve, whatever will do. They pull an outfit together wonderfully and if you buy right, it can take you into fall easily. Oops, not the last, the last do is a "look at me" shoe. Get a metallic gladiator sandal or a red pump or a rocker chic wooden platform or a beautiful summer sandal. Go to Payless if you need to but get one! Ok, that's it for now. As always, call if I can be of any help. Thanks........

Tailor Made

I drive an old Ford Expedition. I used to call it a car. It was top of the line, all the bells and whistles. Now I call it my truck. I am naming it Martha right now. After all the wear and tear over the years, she really can't claim to look or drive like a car. I have hauled dogs, cats, (alive and dead), chickens, turtles, ( I have 2 boys), wreaths, Christmas trees, luggage, pine straw, baseball, football, track, and hockey gear, bridles, saddles, groceries, wet children and towels, and babies in car seats and all that entails. I have changed diapers in it, eaten in it, gotten dressed, and slept in it. The back window has been broken out, the windshield broken by a water balloon (fyi, it's just like a rock hitting the car), paint sprayed on it, the sunroof broken, crayons melted in it, the alternator replaced mid 14 hour trip (providential Southern help on a Saturday afternoon, rural Alabama), and the bumper dented. Right now, it (Martha) is covered in dust from road construction in front of my house, plus I have a gravel drive, and live on a mini farm and all the mess that comes with that. I have vacuumed/cleaned out sand, rocks, manure, dirt, leaves, and food. Thankfully, Martha has never been wrecked. But like I said, she's old and I can't buy a newer one until I can pay most all in cash (husbands' rules). And the one I want isn't cheap, Volvo, Lexus, or Land Rover SUV. So, I am stuck washing, vacuuming, dusting, and changing tires and oil as needed. All this personal information to tell you that in this economy, mending and tailoring to make a nice piece of clothing serve you longer is a smart choice to make if needed. A classic designer blazer or even just a very nice one can be updated easily and fairly reasonably by a professional tailor. A tailor is a person that can go into the seam or under linings, or take an article of clothing apart and "tailor" it to fit you. Even change the design to modernize the style. They do much more than hem. They can take a pant and reduce the fullness if needed, adjust the waistband, or take out pockets. I have a tailor I use that is reasonable and timely. She works out of her home. I don't have her permission to put her name out on the web but if you call or email, I can give you her name and number. Please tell her you got her name from me. Maybe I'll get a reduced price on my clothes! Anyway, these days, most people are trying to save a few pennies. So, if you want your old Brooks Brothers classic white shirt to be more fitted and look more 2009, or if you've gained a couple pounds and need the waistband let out of your favorite pants and new isn't in the picture, get them tailored. It'll help her business and your pocket. Waiting for something isn't too hard, trust me. But, if you can afford new, then go and buy. And call me, I can save you time and money (it's true). The retailers could use you and so could I! Don't let the economy get you down, surely we've about hit bottom and then up is the only way to go! Have a great week and I hope to hear from you soon, Martha and I would love to pay you a visit.

Do you need to know what these words mean???

What words you ask? These: dhoti, ombre, peplum, or cage coat/shoes. Basically, no, you don't need to know what they mean. Except for peplum, which is actually a clothing construction term that has been around forever, the others you probably won't ever hear in casual conversation. Dhoti describes an Indian pant that resembles the harem pant of the 80's and is making a timid comeback. Unless you work in the fashion industry and are fairly modelesque, I wouldn't try them. They are being shown in fashion magazines and are really just confusing the general public that have begun to embrace wearing a slightly flared leg, not tapered! Ombre is a fabric with graduated shades of a color. It can resemble a high class tie~dye print. Generally you will see it made into skirts and dresses. I included peplum because some spring styles are showing it on jackets and tops. A peplum is a hem constructed of a gathered or flared piece of material below a seam. A short, fitted peplum jacket is a cute look this season. The word cage is being used to describe material that looks like just that, a cage. I've seen a leather jacket, shoe, and a skirt, all leather with a cage look. Obviously, the jacket and skirt would require something underneath! The shoes were a platform sandal and the cage look went up the calf about midway. Interesting. So, maybe 2 or 3 out of the 4 may catch some fashionista's fancy. But, the most important tip I'd like to convey is about pant length and hem width. The cut that is flattering to most women, and you've heard it a thousand times, is a slight flare or, if you are larger, a cut that hangs from the top of the thigh down. Generally your pants should be no shorter than 1/2 way up your shoe heel. Oh, just call me and I'll show you! Hope you have a great rest of the week.

"I thought a wardrobe was what Lucy went through to get to Narnia"

Isn't that a great line! Thanks to Suzanne for that hilarious quote. Now she knows it is so much more and she looks great. Now onto what to wear when it is February and 70 degrees! On days like today, it is sooooo easy to start pulling out the tanks and sandals. But, in reality, we will have more days in the 30's and probably sleet or snow. So, lets talk about what you can do until spring is really here. First of all, start with bringing in lighter spring colors in your tops and scarves. For instance, in the fall, you might have worn pumpkin colors and purples to go with a chocolate brown tweed skirt/suit/pant. Now, try a pretty pink blouse and winter white knit sweater vest or a light blue cardigan with a crisp white shirt underneath. Or instead of black or wine colored tops with a pair of black pants, try light grey and yellow. Get a fun, bright spring trench coat or a couple cardigans or boyfriend sweaters in peachs and pinks. Secondly, use these colors for accessories too like scarves and jewelry. Your color tones should go from fall and winter palettes to spring shades. Another way to start spring early is to get a great fitting pair of white jeans. Make sure they are not a lightweight cotton but are a heavier weight denim. They will take you a long way. If they are skinny, roll them up and wear with a bright flat or tuck them into a good black boot with a black turtleneck. Or get a straight cut and wear them with a pretty tan driving moc (think Gwennyth Paltrow in the Tods ads) and khaki jacket. So many options! Hopefully this answers some questions about transitional dressing. We can't ditch the coats and boots yet but soon! Next time I'll be talking about 2009 spring trends, can you say "dhoti" pants?? Please call if I can help at any time! ( Blogger was sick tonight so if there are font changes or misspells, sorry)

Work Through It!

In the past several weeks, I have had a number of clients with very specific fit issues. They were discouraged by the trouble they had finding clothing that looked good and fit their body well. And every time I work with someone that is short-waisted or not the size they would like or is 6 feet tall or whatever! I realize how much these issues factor into a person's self-confidence. We naturally focus on our flaws when we look in the mirror and our eyes zero in on the perceived problem area. So, if you are one of the many people that go into a store, look around, feel overwhelmed, try on one thing, in one size, and leave believing that you can't wear cute stuff, I am writing to you! Don't be afraid of the word tailor. Don't see extra dollar signs and don't think inconvenient. When you are buying a garment at many times, 30% to 50% off retail price, you can spend ten dollars to turn up a hem or take in a waistband. First of all, make sure you try and buy well-made pieces. Look for some percentage of a natural fiber, lining is a plus, detailing is a plus, look for big hems. You can come across decently constructed clothing even at discount stores. Try the designer names at Target and Kohls. A dry cleaner can let out or turn up a hem but for anything much more detailed I would recommend a tailor. Everyone needs business now so call some different places and price compare. I've got a name I can give you also. A tailor is going to be your best bet for dealing with clothes that just don't seem to work for you. Another bit of advice is shop within your size range and go up in size if needed. There is hardly a true 8 or 10 anymore. Sizes within brands and stores fluctuate greatly. I even tell my clients if something is a just a tad small or big, try on one more of the exact same size. Sometimes you will get that small bit of change to make the fit just right. If you are 5'4 and under you are technically petite but that doesn't mean some sizes in the regular department won't work also. Finding the right fit can take time and effort. Shoes can be a problem area also. Some of my clients don't wear heels or have to have a slingback for instance. The perfect shoe may have a heel that is too high for comfort. A cobbler (shoe doctor) can work wonders. They can stretch shoes and cut down heels along with fixing buckles, zippers, etc. Even shoe departments in the store can work on some fit issues. So ask before deciding the perfect shoe isn't so perfect. So the moral of this blog is, you can wear the cute stuff, your body doesn't present so much of a problem that we can't find modern, hip, fun looks that fit you well. So as always, call me and we'll work through it together!

Loose Ends

Happy Inauguration Day!! Take a moment to appreciate history in the making with another Presidential election. I have lately been reading biographies (Daniel Boone, Abigail and John Adams) and the freedom to have our own country and President was won by men who lived their lives for this sole purpose. So, say a prayer, do a little dance, honk your horn, or whatever to salute our forefathers and Presidents past and present, whether you agree with them or not! History lesson over. So what fashion problems have been bugging you lately? Do the jeans not look right or you don't know how to wear the dreaded "skinny" jean? What about flats when it's 20 degrees, do you really not wear socks? What is the "it" item to have right now? On the jeans, I'd have to see how you are wearing them to answer. As for the flats, yup, you're gonna be cold, or wear boots. There is not really an "it" item I don't think. Sweater dresses are big, scarves are big, boots are big, and I could go on. Just remember when buying a piece of clothing, look at the fit, not at the number or letter that tells the size. I would like to say that while evaluating your clothing, give your make-up and hair a fresh look also. I am not an expert in those areas but I do know it is easy not to be objective, so visit a make-up counter for new ideas and ask for suggestions at your next haircut. Last week, I visited what I had declared several months ago as "my new favorite store", and unfortunately the downturn in the economy seems to have hit it also. While there were still deals, the store seemed to be lacking its' "wow" factor this time. Not as much merchandise and kinda picked over. On the cool side, they were carrying some vintage furs and hats. This week I will be doing some boutique browsing so I will report back soon. Now is the time to be enjoying all your heavy sweaters, scarves, cute coats and jackets, and cords because toward the end of February we will start having some of those spectacular glimpses of spring with mild temps and gorgeous sunshine. You will want to start breaking out the flipflops and linen pants but refrain for awhile. Transition months can be difficult but we'll discuss that later. For now, put another log on and appreciate all the beautiful textures and wovens of winter wear. Lastly, have you noticed I like to use quotation marks, I like the "pow" they give to a word. But English majors, don't be alarmed, I know I overuse them, misuse commas and apostrophes, and have run-on sentences. At least I recognize my mistakes! But, I do use spellcheck, good for me. As always, call if I can help with your wardrobe questions. See ya later!

No Resolutions!

This is Mason Elizabeth Parker, the cutest thing since my babies! She is my great niece and we want to thank God for a safe delivery for mom and Mason. Her great-grandmother is holding her!! Now, on to fashion!

I am an anti-resolutionist ( I think I made that word up). I think for many people they are a set up for failure. I like challenges and dares better. Such as "I bet you can't go without chocolate for 3 days" or "I dare you to walk a mile over 4 days". You know, small doable things but with a bit of, can you or can't you, thrown in for good measure. So, with that quirky train of thought, what about a fashion challenge. We'll call it Style Dare 2009. Every week try one thing, place, action, etc. new. Like, a color you don't usually wear, or heels instead of flats, or tights instead of hose, or throw out an item you haven't worn in a year, or shop at a different store than usual, or don't be afraid to show your legs, or have a make up expert give you some tips, or change an outfit from flashy to classy. That list right there gives you around 7 or 8 ideas. Look at a fashion magazine to see how some things are supposed to be worn to give you some guidance and confidence. January is normally a time for self-reflection and we shouldn't disregard our appearance during our time of assessing the things we need to change. Obviously, the way you look effects you and how people react to and perceive you. So, on January 4th, decide what the challenge will be and DO IT! That's my motivational talk for now. As for style news, I don't have much to comment on at the moment. Just a few tips; dresses are huge and will be all year; also, blazers with are being worn with tons of things, and a last thing to consider is accessories. Accessories can make or break an outfit and for the financially strapped, can update your look quickly and economically. If you would like me to work with you it would be a pleasure so please email or call, I'll help you spend that Christmas cash or gift cards (which by the way should be spent quickly lest the store goes out of business!). That's all for now, I hope your holidays were filled with love, family, and friends. Happy New Year!!