Necessary Things

It has been tooooo long!!  Kids are home from college, 2 new kittens, gardening to be done, etc.  My house is and has been a mess for about 3 weeks now.  Kittens and kids newly home at the same time are not a good idea.  But, it is a full house with basically happy sounds, so it's ok.  And the kids are certainly necessary for me, the kittens just a bonus.  Aren't they the most precious things ever?  (so mad! I am typing the rest of this for the second time, who know where it went!!)  Okay, so summer is almost upon us and the feeling is good!  I love it, sun-kissed bare skin, pedicures, light layers of jewelry, scarves, and cardigans, not wool coats and sweaters.  Another plus for many, laid back schedules and fun outdoor events.  So, there are some warm season basics everyone needs to consider to round out the summer look.  The first is a cute summer skirt.  Whether it is a floral, solid, or print, make sure it hits right around your knee (too long and it looks prairie, to short and you look like a teenager), look for one with a little fullness, and inset pockets are a fun and handy addition.  Keep the top slim with an interesting neckline or slight embellishment for fun.  Another basic I recommend is a great cardigan.  Several local stores are carrying them now, AT Loft, Gap, and J. Crew come to mind.  A great cardigan can be the focal point of your outfit with all the cute details  they have now.   Look for ruffles, tissue trim and rosettes, pearl buttons, or pretty embroidering.  Light-weight cotton, silk, or even cashmere are great choices for the summer.   Wear them with everything; jeans, shorts, skirts, sundresses, everything!  The next "must have", I have written about before.  Metallics,and they are still very much in demand.  You can go with shiny threads shot through the material or used for embroidery, get a pretty silvery belt for white jeans, or look for a cool bronze gladiator sandal.  I love bronze, it goes with everything!  And remember, you can mix metallics.  One more thing I think you need is a fun bead necklace.  It can be a long chain or chunky choker.  Look for clear beads mixed with pearl look alikes or clear colors, or wooden beads and natural stones.   Fun and hip!

Well, I had planned on writing about the dressy events you need that "go to" outfit for but I think I'll stop now since this is my second time to do this!  I'll cover that next week.  I hope your first week of June is wonderful and warm.  Thanks and as always, call if I can help.  

 

You Can Do Better Than That!

Okay, I am tired of writing and having to qualify everything I say because of the economy. So for this post, pretend it's all good. Unless you lost your job, then I am truly sorry. But, since I can't know that, I am writing like we can all go shopping. Yea!!! I am going to cover a couple different topics this post. The first is overcoming your "can'ts, don'ts, won'ts". It never fails, I start a consultation with a client and began to hear, "well, I don't show my arms", or "I don't like to wear white", or "I can't wear pants". Many have lived for years thinking these negative thoughts and not including certain pieces of clothing in their wardrobe. The real problem is that they haven't taken the time or gone through the frustration of trying on again, and again, and again to find the proper fit or style for the area of concern. It almost always comes back to body issues. Yes, a gathered elastic band sleeve will make your upper arm look larger, and yes, pants have different rises and cuts. And of course, if the pant or top doesn't fit right, white may not be flattering. But, it is my firm belief that every body can be dressed in a flattering, stylish way. Even in white. Now, if it is personal taste, then I understand that. But I hate to see women and men, veering away from colors and styles because they are unsure of how to wear them. And let me end by saying, there are styles, cuts, and colors that will look better than others. But, until you take the time to try on, you may never get past that negative belief you've been carrying around with you. And, you can do better than that! The other topic I wanted to cover is what I have labeled the "3 blocks of colors". It is not a good thing! I am talking about an outfit comprised of, for instance, a navy blazer, a khaki pant, and a white shirt. Or, a denim skirt, a brown shirt, and a cream cardigan. What's wrong with that? It's BORING. As your are putting your outfits together, try to incorporate some layering with tanks or camis of a complementing color. Try layering a tank under a sheer top then top with a simple cardigan. Another option is to make sure you have some prints in your wardrobe. Tops, sweaters, and jackets in a cute print over or under a solid is an easy fix. Picture a cute silky floral top under your cream sweater with your denim skirt. Then add a pair of ballet flats or gladiator thong sandals and you've got a look! With that look you included some more visual interest with a print. Also, include accessories like a cool necklace of chunky beads, a long interesting chain, a scarf, or belt a long tee. These can become a focal point for an outfit. Using depth (layering), visual interest (embellishments like beading, prints, or ruffles), and an accessory as a point of interest will make you look put together and in style. One word of caution, don't do all three together. So, tomorrow when you look in the mirror if you see "3 blocks of color", go back to your closet because you can do better than that! As always, call me for help with any of these or other wardrobe malfunctions! Thanks........

This One's for the Guys

After talking with a couple guy clients (few and far between!) I realized I had not done a post covering some general rules for them. So, if you are a guy that needs some style help or know one, read on....These tips will cover general fit. The "rules" on these are not terribly complicated. We'll start with jackets, excluding outerwear since it's almost May....jackets or blazers will usually almost fit most men. Vague huh? By that I mean that many times, a sleeve may need to be hemmed or the sides seams taken in a bit. Some dept. store employees can help you with this, look for a yellow or white tape measure around their neck, or ask if the store has a tailor. If you buy at say, TJ Maxx, you will need a tailor (they won't have one) to look at the fit. Shoulders shouldn't droop, sleeves should show about a 1/4 " of shirt sleeve, lapels should lay flat, no pulls or wrinkles across the shoulders and vents should not be pulled open, 1 vent for regular shaped/sized men, 2 for a fuller backside. Unless you will be layering a sweater regularly, stick to a slim cut that gently hugs, not restricts. This style will be fine with trousers or jeans, a looser blazer will always say casual. A midnight navy blazer or suit is always a good start and pay attention to details like fabric (no polyester!), stitching, lining, buttons etc. Single breasted is best and buy the best quality you can. Trousers/pants are next. Some of the same rules will always apply, pay attention to the details, they say quality. Your waist size is the measurement around your waist at the top of your hipbone, but let a tailor measure you and then remember it! The rise is the length of the fly, too long and your pants are up to high, too short and you have low riders. Not good. Inseam is length from crotch to cuff, again, let someone else measure it and remember it. Pants should fit snug but not tight at the waist right above your hipbone. Length should hit the top of your shoe with some crease (called the break), and about 1/2" to 1" up your shoe heel from the floor. We don't want to see your socks much when you walk. And a word about pleats, generally no. Unless you really need it in the stomach area or a tailor tells you the pants will drape better, no. You don't need too much fabric and they should fit like a jacket, skim the body. Right now, summer weight wool or a blend, cotton or a blend, is what you should be wearing. Jeans will have to wait for another post! Shirts are last. So much to decide, color, print, button-down, atheletic fit, etc. The same fit rule applies here also, the shirt should skim your body but not pull when seated or at the buttons, sleeves should fall in the crook between the base of your thumb and your wrist, when buttoned, 2 fingers should fit between your neck and the collar, tail needs to be long enough not to come untucked when seated (the untucked look is another post also!), big shoulders may need 2 pleats in the back, and on everyone the seams need to lay on the muscles right behind your shoulder (deltoids I'm told).Okay, that's alot of info to consider. Take it in and if you do go shopping, try and buy the best quality you can. As they say, you can spot a cheap suit a mile away! If you need help I am great at finding deals but keep in mind you will probably need to make friends with a tailor! See ya next time.... ps..spell check was out so please forgive mistakes!

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)