These Boots Were Made For ?

Frank Sinatra's daughter made that song popular.  If you are too young to remember it, pull it up on the internet and listen.  It'll get you in the mood to get one of fall's biggest "must haves".  Boots.  They are such fun to wear.  How many kinds of footwear are there that can look so many different ways?  A pump is a pump, a ballet flat, a flat, a slingback, a ....well, you get it.  But a boot, it can be tall, ankle, over the knee, flat, high heel, mid heel, wedge, dressy, slouchy,cowboy, riding, rain, and on it goes.  For some reason a boot makes you feel invincible.  You can walk through puddles, ride a horse, strut into a room, or as the song goes, walk over someone ( not very nice but necessary sometimes, maybe?).  I just bought 3 pair. One, a black ankle to wear with tights and skirts mainly but also will be great with pants and jeans.  Another, black suede with a buckle at the top, about 3 inches below the knee.  I will wear them dressy and casual.  The third pair are dressy black which I had no intention of getting until I saw the price.  $9.99!  They were at Marti and Liz (call me if you don't know this place!) and had the slightest repair stiching on the top seam.  They are AK leather!  Can you believe it?  Just an example of some deals to be had at that shoe store.  Anyway, my boot collection has now grown to, well, we'll just say I could use a little more room.   If you are just venturing into the boot world, (Cindy, there is therapy for foot claustrophobia I'm sure) I would start with a basic black boot.  Do you like high heels?  Then go for it and they'll work with skirts for work and jeans for casual.  A pair of flat boots will inherently have a more laid back vibe but still be appropriate for pant and jeans alike.  They'll also work with knee length skirts.  If you are more adventurous, try a motorcycle look in black or brown.  I love this look with skinny jeans tucked in.  And of course, to fully feel like a Nashvillian, a cowboy boot is totally appropriate.  If you have a bit  (chunk actually) of money burning a hole in your fun fall purse, go for a pair of Frye's.  They have taken the cowboy boot above and beyond.  Not your traditional pointy toe but they now have a hipper western look.  The boots shown are from Zappos and are Frye's and the black booties are Donald Pliner.  Both to die for.  Boots do not discriminate.  They are friends to all ages, body types, skin coloring, and sizes.  You can even find wide shafts (the leg part) for those with a wide calf, which I know can be a problem.   So, no excuses not to participate in this fun, fall fashion classic.  Yes, I am declaring the boot a classic, right up there with a trench coat and a LBD.  Aren't you excited?  Ready to find the right boot for you?   Call me, I know just the pair for you.  Talk to ya soon......

Do You Remember?

There is a broadway play in the works or already done about remembering an article of clothing or a particular outfit in a woman's past and what it meant to her or what emotions the memory of it brings.  I have 2 or 3 that come to mind immediately but I will tell you about one, the earliest.  For my 9th birthday my mother made me (she made almost all my clothes until I was in 6th or 7th grade) a gray short jumpsuit.  It had little yellow flowers all over it and was sleeveless.  I think I wore a longsleeve yellow t-shirt under it.  I wore it to my birthday party.  There is a picture of me wearing it on my swingset in the backyard.  I think of fall, my mother, and playing in my backyard when  I remember it.  Oddly  enough, another memory is of  jumpsuit, made of satin, not cotton print!  I'd love to hear if you have similar memories.  Most of mine that concern clothing are good! 
On this post, I'd like to examine the picture I've attached of Natalie Portman.  I love her outfit!  There is nothing oustanding or spectacular but it is just so together, clean, and simple.  Maybe it's my love of navy and white.  I'd love to see what shoes she is wearing.  Anyway,  we'll start at the bottom.  She is wearing jeans with a pretty good flare and a dark wash.  Underneath the jacket is a Chole tunic.  You could easily replace it with a longer tee that has a bit of flare or tunics are easy to find now off the rack.  Try Gap or Old Navy.  It doesn't have to be a designer top.  The jacket and scarf make the look.  The cut of the jacket is double breasted with a flared hem.  It hits just at her waist and has 3/4 length flaredsleeves.  I guess "flare" is the opperative word here!  You may want less material or "flare" in your jacket and that's fine.  Long sleeves would be fine too.  The green scarf is a great shot of color.  More options could be wine, magenta, or deep teal.  Boots, peep-toe sandals, or maybe a suede pump would work with this outfit.  Try gray, black, or brown.  Just a word about the tunic.  To keep the length appropriate to your heigth, the hem doesn't need to go farther than below your hipbone.  If it dips in the front a bit longer that's probably ok.  So, what do you think.  Easy or hard to pull off?  Cute or not?  This look is good for a huge age range also.  If you are fairly heavy, you will want a jacked with a little more structure. 
I hope you enjoyed my venture into using pictures.  I'll try and do it more often.  My days are fast being booked.  Call soon if you want some help this fall.  Thanks......

Melinda

The Truth - Hurtful or Refreshing?

I was telling a group of women the other day (thanks for having me Allstate) that women often fall into 2 groups; dressing too young for their body type or age, or dressing too old. The ones that dress too old and frumpy are always a joy to work with. It is great to see a smile come to their face when they are told, and then realize themselves, that they really will look good in a shorter skirt. Or the cute jeans they like will be perfect on them. I am not sure why or when women begin seeing themselves older or needing to dress more boring or covered up, but it frequently happens. I think sometimes an extreme sense of modesty or I am sure certain birthdays can make you feel that way. My feeling is, no matter how old you are or modest, you can be stylish and still be age appropriate with your clothing. You see them in the mall, the older women that never got the feeling or were told "it's time to were the ugly black shoes and stop fixing your hair." They wear attractive clothing that suits them, colors, jewelry, and take time with their hair and make-up. These are women of all shapes and sizes. Then there are the ones that by age 30 have already thrown in the towel. Unfortunately, these women probably have a negative view of their shape and decided early on that pants, jeans, cute shoes, skirts, or whatever! don't fit them. Did someone tell them this or were they just too critical themselves when looking in the mirror? Whatever the case, I love to help them find that style that brings their self-image up. The other end of the spectrum and one that has to be handled with some delicacy at times, are ladies that have trouble leaving the teen years behind or are very swayed by their daughter's clothing or magazines. They will focus on the size and wish they were what they used to be, when they need to focus on the fit. These ladies have confidence which is terrific, but they need to understand what their clothing choices are saying about them. When women do this, it says to me, "my best years are gone and I'm trying to reclaim them". They portray a sense that they can't grow and mature. It can be hurtful to be told that skirts are too tight and buttons popping open isn't attractive. Again though, if they can try on a wonderful sheath dress and pumps, or an appropriate fitting jean and cute top, it begins to sink in that looking attractive and age appropriate isn't just for 20 year -olds. Harsh make-up, the wrong hairstyle, and color will age a person instead of taking years off. I told the group the other day that dressing too young very often isn't the style of clothing, it is wearing it the wrong way or the wearing the wrong size. An example might be a nice halter top for a night out. Younger girls can get by wearing a tighter style and have on a really snug pair of jeans. A more mature women can still wear that style top, but tone down the bottoms. A beautiful pair of black pants or a dark wash trouser jean. These will have a higher waist and a full leg. It's not so hard. So, is it time to take an objective look at your clothing choices? Do you fall into one of these categories? We probably all do from time to time, the point is to realize it and try to do better. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a great weekend. As always, please call if I can be of any help! Thanks......

PICKY, PICKY, PICKY

From 1st grade through almost all Sr. high school, I took the same homemade lunch to school everyday. Three peanut butter saltine crackers, two chocolate chip cookies, and probably some chips of some kind, I don't remember. I also would only eat one kind of peanut butter, Peter Pan. I had a glass of chocolate milk for breakfast, everyday. The words stubborn and picky come to mind. Unfortunately, that behavior has progressed to my sense of style as well. I have been looking for a new pair of black boots since late last winter. The right look, price, fit, heel height, etc. I am also on the look out for a new pair of regular, 5 pocket, blue jeans, since last winter. The right wash, rise, length, and fit. The words stubborn and picky come to mind, again. Is this unending search for the perfect item really necessary????? Of course not. So, recently, I have been taking my own good advice and not dismissing things at a first glance. Some restrictions will always apply; I am 5'9 so no skyscraper heels; I am 5'9 so unless it's an ankle length, the hem has to be long enough; and always price. But as far as look goes, I'm open to trying different washes, the details on denim and boots, and the height of boot shaft (the leg part). And fit, maybe a jean that looks a little tighter or a skinnier leg will work, maybe it won't, but I'm going to try. It's what I encourage my clients to do and many times with good outcomes. I'll let you know what I find.

September is here and surprisingly, some cool weather to go with it. Summer washed yellows and whites and ocean shades of blue and green give way to fall hues. Chocolate browns, the oranges and reds of maple leaves, and midnight blue to black are stocking the stores now. Are you ready? Here are some tips to refer to until autumn really hits. While we are still transitioning, use the above colors in cottons and light-weight wool or silk blends. As the days go on, wardrobe wise, your clothing choices should slowly start changing, in general, to fall shades and heavier pieces. Boots are good, some will say all year, but certainly now, with dresses and skirts for a cute, breezy fall look. If scarves have been stored for the summer heat, bring them out for cool rainy days and night time. Go with a darker nail polish to really make a statement, try deep purple or navy for a change. While summer is a time for shedding layers, opening up, and slowing down, it is inevitable that with autumn on the way, we start to close up and hurry up in several ways. Front doors will close and the firewood will come in, gardens will die down to wait for spring, and we begin to pull out the comfortable, warm clothes. Long evening walks will stop and leisurely trips to the mailbox or to walk the dog become sprints. I'm always a little sad when this begins but, like clockwork, I start to remember the joys of fall and events only experienced in the cold weather. And, on a more shallow note, if I'm going to a football game to see people I haven't seen in months, or years, then I'm going to look good while I'm there! When the invite to a bonfire at a friend's farm comes, I plan to have a great new pair of cords to wear. Take these last weeks of summer and start taking stock of fall pieces needed or desired and make a list. Then, call me and let's get to it! No, it's not all about clothes but they sure make the seasons changing more enjoyable. Thanks for reading....

GLITTER + GLAM = GAUDY?

While doing my job of scanning all the fall fashion magazine issues (so difficult),  I realized that the 80's revival is more prevalent than I realized.  I knew that the neon, harem pants, and wider shoulder theme had been around for 2 or 3 seasons now, but some designers really focused on these looks during fashion week and the fall shows.   I can embrace almost all styles, some more than others.  I like the look of high-waisted pants with a narrow hem and ankle boots.  It's sharp and edgy for the right body.  I also like a piece clothing in neon pink with the right outfit.  Marc Jacobs showed a lot of bright pink in his show.  And glitter and sparkle I really enjoy, even in the day.  But, what us regular folks have to remember is that models in fashion shows and mannequins in store windows are dressed to make a statement and sell clothes.  And, while we want to look great and even stand-out at times, we are not on display or on a runway.   My goal as a stylist is to take the best of any trend and see if it works on you while maintaining your style and anchoring the look in basic pieces.  Some trends won't work at all and some we bypass all together. I don't think I'll ever love acid washed jeans again, and yes, they are back.   The 80's fashion flashback is just that, a flashback and a trend.  These looks come and go and shouldn't be confused with the classics that most of us try to fill our wardrobe with.  So, take this trend with a grain of salt, meaning, include small bits and pieces in your wardobe but don't invest the big bucks in this look.  It shouldn't hang around for too many more seasons. Do glitter and neon equal gaudy?  No, not gaudy,  but it does require some time and effort to pull it off, and then, make sure you don't go overboard.  Enjoy these decade trends as they come along then fondly say goodbye!  Always stay on the look-out for ways to buy and add well made, solid name classics to your wardrobe when you can. I hope you have a great week, and as always, call if you need me.  

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......