What's Your Style?

I have tried to figure out how to post pictures from the Internet onto my blog. I haven't had any success. I want to post pictures of everyday women/girls in all sorts of cute looks. You know, the ones they come up with that look effortless and right. I think I might get brave enough to just start taking them on my own (with the person's permission of course) and posting them. I love the mags that show the stylish girls on the street. I find it so interesting to know what their profession is and where their clothes came from. Was it a designer or a consignment shop? I'm also the kind that notices the clothes in movie scenes, reads the little print that tells who the designer is and the price in a magazine layout, reads fabric labels, and mentally re-dresses people in the mall I(I could sit and people watch for quite a while!). I've said before even if I don't like it, I love someone that works a "look". Whether it's boho, classic, vintage, or glamorous, if it's done right, it looks good. I think I am a variety of styles on any given day. There are certain pieces I love that I'll always use like.... my cowboy boots, casual skirts, 1 or 2 pair of great jeans, fun tops, and a variety of nice cardigans. These choices kinda land me in a more casual group. It all depends on mood, the next day I might choose a pencil skirt and pumps. What style are you? Have you bought something thinking "it's not me"? More than likely, you won't wear it if you have. I do encourage my clients to branch out, but take baby steps. There is nothing worse than buying an item and having it sit in your closet reminding you of your mistake. My best advice is, stay with-in your comfort zone but on occasion, include a really great top, shoe, skirt, or accessory you may not normally wear. Make sure it works with an outfit you already own and you will be more likely to wear it. Figure out your style by taking inventory of your wardrobe and see what category most of the pieces fall into. You probably already know. Do you lean toward the artsy, bohemian look? Or, do you have a closet full of carpi's, cardigans, and button up tops? More than likely, you also stick to one or two stores. That's a big clue to your type too. Again, all of that sameness is fine but you run the risk of becoming staid and predictable. Try and be on top of things and know when to bring in another opinion and a fresh eye. It will help in keeping clothing current and in style. You don't need to overhaul your style, it is a reflection of your personality, just weed out what doesn't work anymore and add a few things that will accentuate and keep your wardrobe fresh. Style doesn't just encompass clothing, it can refer to many aspects of your life, but the way you dress is usually what others notice first. As always, call if you need me and enjoy these last, wonderful summer days....

Have you noticed?

It's just awful. Fall is already creeping into retailers. I think (until around September) I am a true summer girl. Sandals, pink toes, shorts, sun, lightweight tops, warm nights. I love it. But, if you love clothes like me, by late August, certainly September, you will be lusting after the beautiful sweaters, cool boots, and will have to have a new pair of jeans! But, until that time, let's enjoy what we've got. Hot days and warm nights. If you are really into being in style, late this month you will want to start concentrating on bringing in the muted shades of fall. Mustard yellow, burnt orange, midnight and denim blues, deep reds, wines, and deep, dark greens. You can still pair these with whites or, go ahead and do a total fall palette but with breezy cottons and linens to keep it summer weight. Truly though, July is really time to embrace all the summer trends to their fullest. Shorts with heels, all white, red, white, and blue/nautical looks, sundresses, straw hats and bags, bright, colorful jewelry, layered tanks, and of course swimsuits. The great thing is, it's also a fantastic time to buy all of the above! Most stores have already taken good markdowns so decide what you need/want but didn't want to spend on and see if it is still available. Or, check online. Try boutiques that have to make the sale for pieces that no one else will be wearing. I haven't been to UAL lately but they are usually a good place to browse. As you are making the most of the rest of the summer, don't get lazy and think the slow pace means dumpy t-shirts and baggy shorts. Whether it's the park, grocery, movie, farmer's market (love it), or the Hill Center, if you are out among the public, make an effort. It's worth it and much more desirable to be noticed for your simple skirt, tank, and cool jewelry than your Titans (whom I love) t-shirt and crocs (also fine in the right place; must dwell on where that is). So, get out there, look cute, and don't burn! Call if you need me, thanks......

Dog Days Require White

Those of you that I have worked with have probably picked up on the fact that I love white. Pairing it with color, with black, with khaki, with more white, I just love it and the looks you can create with it go on forever. So, with the "dog days" upon us, what is going to keep you the most cool other than white, or very light colored clothing. Or of course, a pool. I guess one of the first white basics to mention would be white jeans. I like these for night when the sun isn't blazing; you can wear some great heels and a halter top, or a tunic that comes past the rear-end for a different look. A more casual approach could be to add a cute eyelet or swiss dot top cut more full with some flats. Another basic white to check into is shorts. Length may be determined by age but if you are young enough with fairly shapely legs, go for short shorts and wear flats. If you choose to be daring, wear for a wedge with maybe a rope heel; tooooo cute. For this look, keep the top more modest and not extremely tight. If you wear a walking or "city" short, go with most any top, tees work for casual, and tops that show a little skin are fun. This length takes heels well also. White skirts are always a good plan, full and flirty are also cool and you just look like you are having fun. Double up 2 different colored tanks with a beachy chain and flipflops and you're good to go. A tight pencil skirt will work for nice dinners, brunches, and can go to a wedding if your top is colorful. These also look beautiful with summer jackets and cardigans and peep toes. White cropped pants or jeans with embellished tees and cute heels (think JCrew catalog) or a cotton sun top will take you to almost any place you need to go. And of course, the white shirt/blouse; for the summer, roll up the sleeves loosely and pair it with your black skirt and pumps for work or wear one with fitted long shorts(khaki would be very safari) and flats, again, roll the sleeves. However you choose to do it, wear something white. I think my all time favorite is navy and white. It's just so cool and summery, and very appropriate for July 4th! Enjoy the rest of your June, time flies when you are stylishly dressed! Call me....

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........