Color blocking is very popular this season.  These days I see color blocking in the stores on clothing, handbags and shoes.  I was too excited on Easter when I saw women at church wearing color blocked outfits.  It thrills me to see people having fun with trends.

Almost every runway from Paris to New York has showcased color blocking in a multitude of ways. This trend is easy to achieve and fun to style, all you need is a little creativity.

Haven’t caught on and wondering what I’m talking about?  Well, lets break down what color blocking in fashion is. Color blocking is when you combine different colors of the same tone to create an outfit. This trend works best with basic silhouettes and cuts. When you color block, make sure your using colors that are in the same “Family”.   For example; if you’re wearing a dark red blouse, then the other clothing item should also be of the dark toned variety. If you were to put the same blouse with a pastel item then the look would be off.

When it comes to wearing this trend the options are endless. As I mentioned, there are even shoes and accessories designed with the color block style. There are also color block clutches for casual wear. They look amazing with a solid white or black dress. 

So, now you want to try color blocking, right?  One thing to remember, limit the look to 4 colors, don’t get carried away.  Another suggestion for accessorizing a color block look is to stick with gold and silver jewelry.  Color blocking is a fun happening trend for the spring and summer. Make sure you always go with colors that compliment you skin tone.  Yes, it’s just that simple.

Go ahead, have some fun and let me know what color block items you have tried.

Finding something to wear on your days off should be simple. For some reason women think that sweat pants and  a top are the go to clothing items for the weekend. There are so many options in styling with casual wear, it just takes proper organization. Women should have a nice pair of Denim jeans on hand for quick fashion styling. White button down shirts are common for the office, but on the weekends they can easily become a light weight cardigan. Try wearing a bright colored tank with a white button down shirt, and then pair them with some crisp denim capri’s. This outfit is functional, comfortable, and easy to style.

As for foot wear, try a different alternative to tennis shoes. Some beautifully solid colored espadrilles are feminine and chic. The other day I saw some Toms that I fell in love with.  Espadrilles also come in different heights. Another shoe item that never fails is a neutral colored pair of flats. Tory Birch flats have been all the rage this season. Not only are they easy to coordinate, they are also very comfortable and don’t blister your feet.

Weekends are for the working warriors, so shed your armor and get comfortable and chic!

Dressing to impress has just gotten a lot easier for working women. There are tons of options this spring for some great office looks. The colors and the silhouettes for spring 2012 provide great choices in work wear. The usual black on black or grey on black is no longer the most stylish option in the corporate world. It used to be right up there with the little black dress, but that’s no longer the case. This seasons spring trends can easily be turned into some interesting work looks. The key to styling is creativity.

The most popular fashion trend this season is combing pastels. It’s called Pale Fire, and no matter how you style this trend, it’s ultra feminine and clean. The beauty of wearing pastels in the work place is the fact that the colors are not too bold. For example, a pale pastel pink cotton suit is perfect for the mild spring weather, and is easy to accessorize. Pastels go with warm and cool undertones, so pair them with delicate silver or gold jewelry.

Working women should never shy away from wearing patterns. Another wonderful spring trend is called the Oceans ’12. This trend is the combination of patterns resembling the lost city of Atlantis, or an aquatic city in Paris. The stunning patterns for this trend reveal lots of options in styling with neutral tones too. Patterns should be worn in sections rather than all over. A nice pattern blouse with a white suit can be both stylish and dainty. Although I do suggest patterns for the work environment, you still must use your own judgment on the amount you wear to avoid overkill. Wearing a blazer and pants with patterns is not suggested, unless the patterns are small.

Dressing for work used to be boring and lack luster. Now there are even more options in styling, as well as beautiful silhouettes. The trends should be interpreted to fit your individual taste level and appropriate for your workplace.

Work wear can be stylish while still maintaining a respectable image. It’s all about creativity in styling, so let your imagination lead the way.

The other day I had on a black t-shirt and when I looked in the mirror something just didn’t look right.  Had I gained that much weight over night?  What was the deal?  Oh my goodness! It was my bra! Actually, the straps and loosened and yes, I was sagging!!!!  Not a pretty picture. Ironically, that same day I was out and saw a nice looking very stylish young lady but…she had outgrown her bra.

Did you know that 8 out of 10 women wear the wrong bra size?  Is this you?  There are several reasons why this happens.  It could be because of weight gain or weight loss or the bra has stretched from wearing over time.

Some signs that your bra may not fit correctly are, discomfort when wearing; spillage over from the sides of the cups; and/or the straps are too tight.

What should you do if this is you? Run and get measured  so you can get into the correct size.  You can measure yourself however it is best to be properly fitted by an expert.  In addition to Victoria’s Secret, many large department stores such as Dillard’s, Macy’s and Nordstrom offer free bra fittings.  It is recommended that you are refitted yearly as your size could change.  Either way, a few questions to ask yourself  when trying on a new bra are:

1. Does it feel good?  It shouldn’t pull or poke and should still feel comfortable when you sit down.
2. Does it look good?  With a t-shirt on does it give you a smooth look?
3. Does it wrinkle?  Make sure there are no fabric wrinkles or baggy cups.  If so, you may need to go down a size.
4. Are you falling out?  There should be no spillage.  If there is, go up a size.
5. Are the straps too tight?
6. Can you wear it on the lowest hook?  You should have the opportunity to tighten as it stretches.

Wearing the wrong bra can really make a nice look go down hill quickly.  Make sure that doesn’t happen to you.  After you get your new bras, try to buy more than one,  go through your drawer and throw away the old stretched out, too big or too small bras.  Remember, they don’t last forever.  Treat your new bras with TLC.  It’s best to wash them by hand or put them in a lingerie bag.

Lingerie Laundry Bag

Happy bra shopping.  You are going to love your new look!

Have you ever stood in front of the mirror and noticed that your outfit lacked something but you didn’t know what?  I’m sure  you tried adding accessories or playing with different combinations and finally you found something that worked. But,  do you know why it worked?  Understanding the “why”  will help lesson the number of times that this happens to you.

Think of the “why” in terms of  the “Rule of Three’s.”  To give an outfit a finished look three elements or items of interest are needed.  The three can come from any of the following:

1. The number of solid colors (shades of the same hue count as one)

2.  The layering of fabric and/or garments

3. The texture of the fabrics

4. Any accessories on the garment

5. Any prints or patterns.

You can complete an outfit by using the rule of 3 and adding a third design element. Try it and see what a difference it makes in putting together your outfits.  Once you find a combination that works, take a picture of it so you’ll remember what to do next time.  Looking for an app that will help you with your wardrobe?  Try “Closet Lite”.   It’ll help you keep your outfits organized.

I am always excited when I am contacted by someone who feels they have reached a point where they want to enhance their image.  Often times people are hesitant about making the decision to work with an Image Consultant and they wonder how it would benefit them.  Let’s clear up some benefits so you can move forward with looking fashionable, feeling stylish and exuding confidence in 2011.

• The confidence of knowing you’re dressed appropriately for your work life pays off in improved work performance and gets you noticed by people who have the power to advance your career.  In today’s economy we want to make sure we do all we can do to increase our opportunities for advancement or even retaining our jobs. Confidence goes a long way.

• Instead of using 10% of your wardrobe, you could be using 100% with the help of an image consultant. You won’t need to find more storage space when you hire a professional who will edit your closet and leave you with items that fit, flatter, and express qualities about yourself that you’re proud to share with the world.

• Worried about money? Think you can’t buy new things? An image consultant can help you refresh your wardrobe using the clothes you already have. And if she discovers that you’re missing a few key items, she can efficiently help you shop for them. You save money shopping when you are focused and shop with purpose.  An Image Consultant can help you determine what you need to buy and where you need to go to get it.

• Are you thinking of entering or re-entering the dating scene? An image consultant can help you take those first baby steps into your new dating life. You’ll look like a woman of power who, by the way, happens to be single and available. And if you’re looking to add romance to the marriage you’re in now, she can help you do that too!

• Do you have family heirlooms that you store away in drawers? If you don’t wear them now, when will you? An image consultant can help you create outfits that showcase Aunt Martha’s brooch, your mother’s handbag, or your grandmother’s scarf collection. Wearing the treasures they left for you is the way to honor their legacy.

Does image consulting cure all the ails of the world? Of course not. But looking good and feeling great about yourself  helps you get through the ups and downs of life. Start off the New Year right and make this the month you take action on your behalf. Don’t put yourself and your personal needs on hold for one more day. You deserve to get dressed – not just in clothes, but also in style – your style. When you greet each day with confidence, just think of the opportunities that could come your way! Give me a call and we’ll set up an appointment.

About the Author:

Valerie Hatcher, President of Your Total Image Consulting, is the “working woman’s image consultant.”   She discovered her passion for fashion and style at an early age while dressing and redressing her dolls.  She now uses that passion to show working women how to look fashionable, feel stylish and exude the confidence needed to project an image that positions them for success.   Visit Valerie at www.yourtotalimage.net.

o  Get a fresh haircut and if you color your hair, be sure you get your roots touched up before the big important date.

o  Men and women can both benefit from taming and trimming their eyebrows. Make an appointment with a makeup artist.

o  If you’re buying a new outfit, give yourself enough time to have every item tailored to fit your body perfectly. Alterations often take a week to be completed.

o  Men don’t need to shave off facial hair but they may need a grooming lesson. Because skin can be dry and flakey, consider using a cleanser instead of a bar of soap to wash your face. Follow up with a moisturizer for healthy looking skin.

o  Take a look at the bag you’re carrying. “Green” is in but using canvas totes that advertise random products or stores need to stay at home. Men can look into using a shoulder bag (www.timbukt2.com).

o  If you want to impress someone, don’t stray too far from your comfort zone. Avoid the disaster of walking with little confidence in high heels if you usually wear flats. Find a moderate height that won’t change your stride too much. If you buy new shoes for this special day, take some time to break them in. If it’s a long walk from a parking lot to the meeting place, you don’t want to be distracted by a blister forming on your ankle.

o  Men and women can benefit from a trip to the shoe repair shop. Shined shoes, with refurbished soles if needed, will help you feel at ease.

o  Women, if you’re wearing hose, put on a fresh pair.

o  Do you wish you’d said no to those last five desserts and dropped a pound or two? The right undergarments can make it look like you did just that. Spanx is one of those slimming, trimming undergarments and they are made for men and women. No one needs to know the truth but you!

Follow these tips and you’ll get it right every time while making a great impression.

1. Don’t assume business casual means the same as after hours casual. While t-shirts, shorts and flip flops might be good weekend options, in most businesses they are not good work options.

2. Don’t let inappropriate clothing jeopardize your credibility, reputation or brand at work.

3. Remember, your business clothing should not be the cause of someone losing focus when they talk to you.  Showing midriff, thighs, and too much cleavage is inappropriate for work.

4. Avoid clothing or accessories that offer political commentary or other controversial topics.

5.  Dressing down does not mean that anything goes.  This goes back to the first point. I know we’ve all seen someone who looks like they just woke up, threw on some clothes and ran out of the house.  Actually, they may have done just that.  Clothing that you clean the house in, paint in or work out in doesn’t belong in the workplace.

The above tips may sound very basic and obvious but there are those who actually struggle with one or more of these areas.  Don’t let it be you.

If you feel challenged about what to or not to wear to work, I would love to visit with you and come up with a plan to help you look  fashionable, stylish, and confident in the workplace.