how to freshen up that suit...

while it is not as common as it used to be...believe it or not...there are still women that do wear suits to work...as in several of my clients...so if you are in the elite group...i realize that wearing that same old suit...can get old...but with the hefty price tags...it's not likely that these are items that you continue to buy over and over...

so what needs to happen...is to work with what you've got...while the suit on its own can be...shall we say...yawn...boring...there are some easy ways to freshen up the look...and "revive" those suits you are wearing...

if you've been wearing a basic button down shirt with your suits...how about opting for a nice bright blouse?  if you like ruffles...this is a great accent to an otherwise boring blouse...the combination of the ruffles & color cascading down the suit jacket will instantly pump up the volume...want to be a bit more daring?  go for a fun print...when looking for new blouses to add...think color...texture...detail...the smallest of which could make a huge impact...

add in some fun accessories...if you have been wearing your standard pearls or chain necklace...try adding one with a bolt of color...or adding several necklaces together to create new interest...add a fun brooch to the jacket...no one will notice your basic suit anymore...

belts are another way to update or freshen up an old suit...go for a belt that matches for a conservative approach or add some fun with one in a contrasting color...not only does this bring a great new detail to your suit...but it will instantly cinch in that waist for a flattering silhouette...

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men's corner: color matters...

a recent article in gq magazine titled "what you can learn from the most opinionated man in fashion" gives pointers from designer michael kors...starting with self tanner to turtlenecks...click on the article link above for all his pointers...

what resonated with me...was his point titled 'lastly, know thyself'...michael says..."play to your strengths.  if you have sandy hair, you need ivory, not optic white.  a redhead?  get some green in your closet.  black hair?  you'll look dramatic in black.  cary grant proved that if you have gray hair, you wear gray.  just look at george clooney.  it might sound insane, but it works."

color does matter...and it just takes little simple tricks to make yourself look...well...very put together without looking like you tried...

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men's corner: a cardigan and the suit...

a client recently asked me what "more" he could do with his cardigans...i asked him if he wore them with his suits...and then...there was a long long pause...i knew the answer...and then he said..."well...i guess i never thought i could do that..."

oh...but you can...

my tips would be...when wearing a cardigan under a suit...or any cashmere sweater for that matter...it should be fairly thin...and not bulky...AND this is a great way to infuse a little color...like maybe a nice olive green? doesn't that sound nice?

depending on the jacket...you could even make it a bit sportier...if you are wearing a sports jacket...why not try wearing a nice thin hoodie for a more casual look...but by all means...wear the cardigans with your suit jackets...

especially in the colder climates...why not stay as warm as possible and still look quite dapper? and yes..i realize my picture below does not show a suit jacket with cardigan..but i just couldn't find the perfect picture...so you will have to use your imagination just a wee bit...

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suits...

a suit is a big investment..and a major clue to your personality and life style...do you need the sculptured tailoring of a power suit to underline your authority? or would you be happier in a suit that is less about control than it is about comfort and subtlety of line? maybe you prefer a more traditionally feminine knit suit...or a fitted...dressy mixed suit with components you can really match with other parts of your wardrobe...

the ultimate question...which suit suits your style?

there was a time back in my corporate america days...that i literally wore a suit every day...although that isn't my lifestyle now...i kept alot of my suits...and when occasion calls for it...i absolutely love donning my suits...

how about you? is it something you incorporate into your wardrobe?

neiman marcus ad from summer 2009...
the kay unger on the right is calling out to me...even though it is from last year...

men's corner: the schlumpy jacket...

there is nothing modern or "cool" about a leather jacket that fits like a rain poncho...really...any jacket...the same rules apply for men as they do for women...

fit fit fit...makes a difference...


when trying on a new leather jacket...keep going down a size until you can’t get it on...then buy the next size up...it should feel snug as a wetsuit but will take your body’s shape over time...the coolest style right now? the bomber you see here...


for a suit jacket fit...try on as many jackets as it takes for you to find the right one...there are many options out there...which means...lots to choose from...

coat length - general rule is for the jacket to just cover your entire seat...the hem of the jacket should end near the tip of your thumb when your arm is relaxed...

sleeves - should allow 1/2 inch of shirt to show at the wrist when the arm is relaxed...

armhole - should allow considerable range of motion...

shoulders - the shoulders are the base of the garment...if it doesn't fit you point to point...it's not the right jacket...

chest and waist - jacket should be easy to button...vents should lie flat...allow 3 to 5 inches of play between your body and the jacket's top button...

collar and neck - jacket collar should hug your neck about halfway up your shirt collar and lie smoothly across your upper back without any bubbling or rippling...