Trust me, you can pull it off without looking like a teenager.  Try pairing them with a black pump or some stylish ballet flats.  Wear them with a white tee or go monochromatic with a top in a matching color.  Going out on the town?  How about bringing a cardigan or jacket to wear with your new colored jeans?

What color will be your favorite?  Mine is red!  Give it a try.

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.

Some people are fortunate and are born with good taste and style; they have a natural sense of color and design or they have just learned by paying attention to others over the years.  Now, most people aren’t quite that fortunate.

To develop style means to separate what suits our height, shape and age from what’s currently in fashion and to understand what looks appropriate for what occasions.  Most of the time trial and error gives women the ability to achieve a look that is fashionable, flattering and in good taste.

Our personal style affects the way we put together colors, patterns and fabrics.  Don’t know where to start to make this happen for you?  Start by looking at fashion magazines.  My favorites are InStyle, People StyleWatch, and Elle.   While you are looking, tear out pages of items that grab your attention.  Look at how the outfits are put together.  This will sharpen your awareness of shape and design and also help you determine what you like, your personal style.

The gaining of this fashion knowledge will allow you to express your style and will give you the confidence to become creative with your wardrobe.  When you know your personal style, dressing and shopping will become easier and less time consuming.

Have you had that moment when someone stopped you and said “that sure looks good on you?”  We all have that one outfit that just works? Why?  Because it compliments our body shape.

Knowing your body shape and what looks best on your body can make a big difference in selecting your clothes.  Styling Rules are hardly generic.  As a matter of fact, they should be customized to the individual.  Everyone comes in different body sizes and shapes. We all need to learn what to wear and what to avoid in order to best  flatter our body shape.

Want to make sure you have the best fit possible?  Find out your body shape. 

There are five basic body shapes.  Although you may not fit exactly into one particular shape definition, many women can identify a primary shape that their body type resembles.   You can use this shape as a general guide to how to wear clothes that create a proportionate look and draw attention to their best features.

Let’s get started in helping you find your right fit.   Pick which description best fits your body.

You are an Inverted Triangle if:

Your shoulders and upper half part are wider than your hips. You’re known for having an athletic-looking body shape! Your frame is quite common among catwalk models.  Your main goal when putting on clothes should be to add more volume and attention to your hips and legs. Examples: wide leg jeans, bright colored shoes, hemlines that flare outwards, light colored bottom. Celebrities known to have an inverted triangle body shape: Reneé Zellweger, Naomi Campbell, Teri Hatcher

You are a Triangle if:

Your hips and thighs are your body’s center stage. That means they’re wider than the rest of your body. Your shoulders are most likely narrow and you have a defined waist. Your goal for dressing your triangle body should be to add more volume and highlighting details to your shoulders and upper body. Examples: Puffed sleeves, white top, horizontal stripes, and boat neck. Minimize your hips with dark colors. Celebrities known to have a triangle body shape are: Beyoncé, Jennifer Love-Hewitt, Coleen McLoughlin

You are a Rectangle if:

Your shape looks athletic with bust and hips of approximately the same width. You have little or no waist definition.  Your main goal should be to add more width to the shoulders and at the hips. Trim the waist. Examples:  Slim down the waist with a simple black fashion belt, waist-cinching tops and dresses. Celebrities known to have a rectangle body shape are: Cameron Diaz, Nicole Kidman, and Hilary Duff

You are an Hourglass if

Your upper and lower half parts have approximately the same width. Your waist is also defined.  An Hourglass Body Shape is considered to be the most ideal body shape because of its proportions, both upper and lower half are in line with each other.   When it comes to dressing your shape, your goal is to flaunt your classic proportionate body shape by using your waist as a focal point. Celebrities with an hourglass body shape: Megan Fox, Salma Hayek, Scarlet Johansson, Halle Berry

You are an Oval Body Shape if:

You have a full chest, upper back with no or little waist definition. You might appear top heavy. And your bust and midriff might appear bigger than your hips. Your main goal when dressing your body shape is to slim the chest and waist. Add more width to your hips. Examples: Deep necklines, print skirts, boot cut/flare/wide leg pants. Celebrities known to have an oval/apple body shape: Chandra Wilson, Rosie O’Donnell,

Remember when dressing your body, wearing clothes that are bigger or smaller than your size can make the difference more obvious.  For example, if you are skinny then a top that is too big or that has too many layers can overwhelm and “tip over” your frame.  It draws more attention to how thin you are.  Conversely, if you are full figured and wear small print items or items that are made of thin or sheer fabric, you will make yourself look heavier.

It can be difficult to be objective about your body shape. So, if you still can’t decide which shape you are contact me for your body shape analysis and you will be on your way to perfect fitting clothes.

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!

As I wind down with the makeover of the new site I was thinking the site looks great and reflects all the services that we offer but some may still wonder, “why should I work with an Image Consultant?”   While I have several reasons of why anyone would benefit from working with an Image Consultant let’s talk about the top 5.

Top 5 Reasons to Work with an Image Consultant:

So, does image consulting cure all the ails of the world? Of course not. But looking good and feeling great about yourself  can be a cure for what ails you.  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.

Ready to have your own Personal Image Consultant?  Give me a  call.  I would love to help give you that special attention you deserve.

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.