guest post: re-inventing your accessories...

my lovely friend and fellow stylist...dana lynch...had a wonderful article in her monthly newsletter...so i asked if she wouldn't mind sharing it on my blog as a guest post...and being the lovely that she is...she of course said yes...be sure to check out her website elements of image and follow her on twitter as well...she is located in denver, colorado...so if you are in that area and looking for a fabulous image consultant...look no further!



Do you always wear your accessories the same way? To change your look and get more mileage out of your jewelry, scarves, gloves, etc., I encourage you to look at your accessories in a new way. Here are a few ideas to get you started. You DIY types (you know who you are,) can go crazy with this!

Antique brooches strung on a gold or silver chain creates a whole new necklace.

The same pin can be attached to a long strand of faux pearls gives the everyday pearls a bit of sparkle. Or why not pin a scarf?

Do you have large button earrings left from the '80's? Try them on the collar of a casual shirt for a funky vibe.

Combine dressy scarves with casual clothes. Have fun mixing patterns!

Incorporate colorful gloves into your outfit for an outing when there's a tiny chill in the air.

Layer your necklaces. Get creative and go for combinations you normally wouldn't. The only hard, fast rule is for your necklaces to be varied lengths.




These are just a few ideas. Take even just a half hour; pull out all of your accessories and let your imagination run wild! You'll freshen up your wardrobe and you won't have spent a dime!

guest post: be stylish in comfort...

guest blogger: the fabulous dana lynch...

visit her over at "elementsofimage.com"

Recently someone commented on my blog asking for more tips on being gorgeous and stylish without sacrificing comfort. As a personal, fashion consultant, I can’t say enough about the importance of being comfortable at work or personal pursuits. Truly, it’s practically impossible to concentrate on anything other than your waistline when your pants are too tight. Here are a couple of tips in regard to comfort.

1. Clothes that fit well are comfortable. I know this might sound trite, but I have so many clients who tell me their professional clothes are uncomfortable. Typically, what we find out is that those clothes aren’t fitting well. Obviously, things that are too tight bind. On the other hand, clothes that are too large can also be uncomfortable. Skirts that are too big twist and move around all day long, creating a lot of friction. Likewise, tops and jackets that are too large can make you feel like you’re carrying around a lot of extra fabric that sometimes gets in the way or creates bulk.

Go through your closet. Try on your clothes, specifically focusing on fit. If something is too big or too small and can’t be altered, get rid of it. It doesn’t make sense to have “just in case” clothes if you’re not comfortable and they don’t look great on you.

When you shop, be sure to try on plenty of clothes to find a fabulous fit. Sit down in the dressing room to make sure pants aren’t too tight, short in the rise or too tight in the thighs. (Always remember, alterations are usually required for a perfect fit.) Don’t compromise on fit if comfort is important to you.

2. Look for soft, comfortable fabrics. I’m not talking about sweats or knits pants here, (unless you’re a personal trainer or professional athlete,) but fabrics that are comfortable both physically and psychologically to you. While a worsted wool suit jacket or pant may never feel soft to you, some are softer and more pliable than others.

Get familiar with fabrics you like and those you don’t. For example, I think silk dupioni is absolutely beautiful, but I learned from both trying it on and examining my personal style that it is just too stiff for me. Pay attention to the fabrics you like in your closet, and also pay close attention to the fabrics when you’re shopping. No matter how fabulous a garment may be, if it doesn’t feel good, you won’t be apt to wear it.

guest post: fashion for all ages...

guest blogger: the fabulous dana lynch

visit her over at "www.elementsofimage.com"

Just within the last week, I’ve heard the comment, “I’m not a teenager anymore, but I don’t want to dress like my grandmother, either–I can’t find any clothes,” several times. I can understand how women, between the ages of 23 and 97, don’t think there’s anything out there for them, but really you have the largest number of chic, wardrobe options.

Here are a few tips to follow for finding stylish clothing that feels appropriate for your age and image.

• Extremes in styles tend to be the trendiest. You may feel more comfortable in classic styles in modern shapes.

• If you prefer to look a touch trendy, choose one trendy piece to be the star of the outfit, and then the rest of the garments should be more basic, supporting the star.

• Fit is more important than ever. No matter what your body type or size, it’s important to show your shape. Covering everything up from head to toes in baggy clothing only makes you look larger than you are, and ultimately matronly. And that’s not a flattering description even if you’re 97!

• Steer clear of juvenile prints. If you’re looking for whimsy, do it with accessories and color.

• Avoid old fashioned, “grandmotherly” florals.

• Go for quality, luxurious fabrics in modern or even trendy styles.

• Keep current—go through your closet regularly scouting for clothing that may be outdated. Nothing will age you faster than wearing clothes from a past decade.

Where to shop? Almost anywhere, avoiding the Junior department and departments clearly for elderly women. Here in Denver, I’m partial to J.Crew, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Garbarini, and Moxie.