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: endless mixing and matching...

i was having a rather long dry spell of not having anything to write about...might be the headache...perhaps...i really shouldn't be that hard on myself...my dry spell consists of one day...but i digress...so i turned to my faithful business partner & friend...adena ditonno...and asked..."have you written anything lately that i could use as a guest post?" and she of course...sent this right over...and...it is on one of my favorite subjects...mixing & matching...

ENDLESS MIXING AND MATCHING
by: Adena DiTonno

The wise woman (and man) today is finding new ways to make her wardrobe work harder for her. One of the ways to do that is to mix and match the various components of her closet with a fresh eye.

So, you say, how do I do that?

First of all, take a look at new and interesting color combinations that you might not have tried before. For example, pair turquoise with chocolate brown or gray, or even camel. If turquoise isn't your color, try pink or maybe orange. (If you don't feel comfortable trying this on your own, give me a call. That's what image consultants do!)

Another way to shake up your closet is to try your hand at mixing patterns. The key is to make sure that the two prints are of the same scale and that they share a commonality in color. I just love a combination that Coach did in a recent ad, featuring a printed headscarf with a sweater in a different, but coordinating print. The prints were complementary in those two key parameters, taking two pieces that were beautiful on their own and turning them into an innovative and out-of-the-ordinary statement.

You can also take a fresh look at how you've categorized various items in your closet and pull them into a new category. For example, if you've always worn a certain skirt for more dressy occasions, try pairing it with a turtleneck sweater, tights and boots for a daytime look. Or change up your jeans with a white tee and a dressy jacket, statement jewelry and heels.

Break out of your fashion rut and rethink how you can change it up. Fashion should be fun, after all!


photo source

guest post: mixing it up...

the lovely adena ditonno captured this gorgeous pic from a recent coach ad...gotta love the mixing of patterns on this one...

"I just love the trend of mixing patterns that we're seeing so much of these days. It's not always easy to do - the scale and colors have to be appropriate - but when it's done well, it's very striking (like this example in the Coach ad in the October issue of Marie Claire magazine.) Plus it adds so much versatility to your existing wardrobe. Don't be afraid to try it - fashion is supposed to be fun!"

guest post: 6 fall trends for 2010...

by adena ditonno (my good friend & business partner) & owner of adenadesign...

Yes, we’ve just experienced the Mark Twain-attributed quote “The coldest winter I ever saw was the summer I spent in San Francisco”, and many of us are looking forward to the warmer days of September and October. However, in the fashion world, Fall is here. If you haven’t thought about Fall yet, now would be a good time to think about packing away your summer clothes and preparing your closet for the coming season.

Fall Trend #1: Camel and Gray Neutrals. While many of us have a closet full of black as our ‘go to’ neutral, think about adding in some camel and gray. They both work beautifully with black and also with each other.

Fall Trend #2: Add a Pop of Color or a Rich Opulent Print to Those Neutrals. All three of the above-mentioned neutrals can handle a pop of color – whether purple, green, red or whatever. Pick one of ‘your’ colors and add it into the mix. Similarly, a rich brocade or metallic print accent will add depth and texture to a simple basic.

Fall Trend #3: Leopard Spots. Animal prints have been a long-time staple, but the leopard is taking the lead this year. It’s fun to wear leopard spots – on your handbag, or perhaps your shoes or a belt. Just remember to not overdo it – a little goes a long way.

Fall Trend #4: Fur and Feathers. Whether your fur is faux or real, you’ll be seeing it and feathers everywhere as accents. They are playful and available at all price points. Since a fur coat isn’t a necessity in our area to keep warm, think about incorporating it into a vest or handbag or some other accessory.

Fall Trend #5: Classic Shapes with Sharp Tailoring. This might be the time to reevaluate your wardrobe basics and replace those that are worn or damaged, or perhaps add in some new ones. You should find lots of choices now, so take advantage of the supply and stock up. (If you find this task daunting, a wardrobe consultant can help with the evaluation and shopping.)

Fall Trend #6: Longer, Fuller Skirts. For those who haven’t enjoyed the trend of shorter skirts, take heart. Now you should be able to find those longer skirts you’ve been waiting for. Again, take advantage of the supply and replenish your wardrobe while you can before the ‘fashion gods’ rule them gone.

When you’re incorporating trends into your wardrobe, buy quality for those items that you consider essential to your wardrobe going forward. Spend less on those items that you know you’ll only want to enjoy while they’re the current ‘hot thing.’

guest post: pictures that make me smile...

she did it again...my very good friend...and business partner posted another note on her adenadesign facebook business page...and i of course...begged asked if i could post it on my blog...i keep nagging hinting she needs to start a blog...hopefully she will soon...until then...i'll just keep using some of her posts on facebook on my blog...oh...and be sure to "fan" her... =)

and here it is...LOVE the pictures...

When I opened the September issue of Food and Wine, on the third page was this fabulous photo of a Charleston garden party spread, along with a gentleman decked out in oh-so-stylish attire, including his great Fedora. This photo not only made me smile, but also prompted me to immediately turn to the featured story "Party at the Drop of a Hat" , which had more smile-inducing photos. I've always been a hat lover and these photos are encouraging me to jump back in and have some fun with hats. Does anyone else feel the urge to don a hat? Happy Weekend!






photo source: scanned by adena ditonno

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: Love to open the mailbox and see "Fashion Issue" on the cover of a magazine!

guest blogger: the fabulous adena ditonno

adena is my fabulous friend and business partner...she currently does not have her own blog...but she should...because she is a fabulous writer...you can click here to follow her as a fan on her facebook business page...adena ditonno designs

i asked if i could post her latest entry from her facebook page...she kindly said yes! here it is...

Those of us whose business is fashion get plenty of fashion magazines. But it's fun to find fashion news in non-fashion magazines, like this month's Departures magazine. The Hermes stiletto spectators on the cover are fabulous (at a not-so-fabulous price of $1275!) The problem is - once you see something like this that is perfect, style-wise, then try to find something similar at a better price point, you're pretty much on a wild goose chase.

Besides these great shoes, there are stories about how the shopping in Dallas has continued unabated (you go girls!)....the Vera Wang rise from an editor at Vogue to a designer of bridal couture to just 'designer' (loved the photo of her black - yes, black! - wedding dress!)...men's custom boxers (I kid you not!)..and lots of other fun-to-read articles.

I'm off on my goose chase for the perfect, affordable spectators - let me know if you find them!

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.