men's corner: sprucing up your summer shorts...

while i have met some men who love to shop...ok...maybe love is a bit strong of a word to use...but men who don't mind shopping...but then there are those who absolutely hate to shop...don't want to be near a mall...store...or anything closely resembling retail...come to think of it...i even know a few women who do...

not loving to shop...is not an excuse to still be wearing shorts that you wore 8 years ago...time to update update update...and if you can't seem to get yourself to a store...get a friend to help...or...get a wardrobe stylist to shop for you...you would be amazed at what can be created for you (in way of a new wardrobe) in no time at all...

but if you plan on venturing out there...let's update to some new shorts...and while it is SO easy to go for basic black, brown, navy blue or khaki...let's step out a bit more...isn't summer all about fun in the sun?  your wardrobe should reflect some of that...

so...try a pattern...doesn't have to be bold...but it sure gives some interest...don't you think?

madras plaid short
banana republic

 how about adding some shorts in a vibrant color...

linen short
banana republic

if going bold is too much...go for a lighter color...but do go for color...

solid short
banana republic

any of these can be paired with a button down or t-shirt...and you are ready to go...and those old shorts that have seen better days?  toss them!

how does your workout wear look?

whenever i am working with a client...i am looking at the whole picture of their lifestyle...meaning everything from work...to social events...to soccer games...to date nite...to working out... i feel that every area of your life should be covered when it comes to your wardrobe...

and one piece where i see the most non thought about area...would be the workout wear...i think...if you look good...you feel good...and who doesn't want to look & feel good while working out?  why should you just plop on an old ratty t-shirt and bottoms?  think of your workout gear as being your coach & cheerleader...

so take a look at what you currently wear to workout...has your sports bra lost its elastic give?  are your yoga pants so low cut that when you go to do your downward dog...you're showing more of your anatomy than you'd like?  do your running shoes have any tread left?  are there armpit stains on your t-shirts?

time to go shopping!

so what to look for?  one of the most important things is to look at fabric content...fabric that pulls moisture away from your skin...this will keep you comfortable during your workouts...and as always...look for a good fit...

and remember...workout clothes do not need to be boring...try some fun colors...prints or fun textures...just as there is interest in your everyday clothing...bring it into your workout wear to express your style...

layering is key...when weather is unpredictable...and you need to shed clothes or add clothes...this is the easiest way...a hat...a vest...a thin layer long sleeved t-shirt...and a windbreaker are some great layering pieces...

on one of our shopping trips...a colleague had raved about her lucy perfect core knee pant...shown below...while it was a bit pricey for me...i gave them a try...and have to admit...they are pretty comfortable...and wear really well...

i am here to help you and support your efforts...we can shop for your workout wardrobe and put together great outfits that will make you feel confident and eager to work up a sweat...

do you have some faves to share? 

perfect core knee pant
lucy

the event that needs a dress...

it is always bound to happen...you get the invite in the mail...dressy event...and you start pondering that age old question...what will i wear?  now most of us head out shopping for a special occasion dress...but there is added pressure...as the event is looming near...and we have yet to find a dress...

a better way...or i should say...another strategy...shopping for those evening dresses when there are no invitations in the mail...at least not yet...now keep in mind...you know your lifestyle...if you don't go to fancy events...then this is a no brainer...and really...no reason to stock up your closet with special occasion dresses...

i always tell my clients (and girlfriends) to be on the lookout when they are shopping...the best time of course is post holiday sales...but let's face it...dresses are always going on sale...but most don't think about it...because there is no event looming in the horizon...but wouldn't it be much better to stumble upon a dress that it pretty much perfect...and looks fabulous on you...and possibly on sale??

always have an eye out for a great evening dress...i would stick to more classic shape, style and color...because wouldn't it be great to have that dress hanging in the closet...tailored and ready to wear...when the invitation arrives?

when you open up that invite...your question won't be...what will i wear...as you will already be prepared...

georgio studio
styling fabulous consignment boutique

put together: in sheer feminine glory...

a big trend this season is wearing sheer garments...and believe me...i've seen some winners...and then some questionable ones...going sheer doesn't mean you need to show all your goods ladies...let's leave something to the imagination...right?

stylelist did a great piece "the trend report:  sheer is here!" be sure to click on the link to see some great examples of wearing sheer this summer...of all of them...this really got my attention...how chic is this outfit?  it screams feminine...lady like...and just 100% put together...

is this a look you would try?  how do you wear sheer pieces?

photo source

loving my new hugh hefner slippers...

i have been wanting my very own pair of hugh hefner like slippers for quite some time now...wasn't sure what i wanted...stripes?  solid color?  leopard print (my neutral)...decisions decisions...what i did know...was that when i saw them...i would know...

so while shopping at nordstrom's last week...my search ended...so loving my new hugh hefner slippers...especially the unexpected gold toe...les sigh...today was their first day out...

color inspiration: all in a rose...

aahhh roses...who doesn't love them?  while i love the ones that are in my front yard...they have no scent...so i go over to my mom & dad's house...their roses have the most incredible scent...much nicer...but you can't beat the colors...whether scented or not...

as in this lovely pic...to say i am slightly obsessed with this color would be an understatement...it just makes me so happy...so i am determined to find a few fun summer pieces in this color...

what color has you feeling chipper these days?

photo source

when it comes to shopping...

the best advice to take with you...is buy only what you truly love...

having been through my share of closets...what i usually find are racks full of clothes of items that should never have been purchased...

"it was a great deal"

"but look at the designer name"

"i still hope to fit into it"

"i'm sure i will find something to wear with it"

believe me...i've made the same mistakes...and cleaning out my closet is no fun task...but as i have been purging and purging...i can see the items that should have never made there way home to my closet as well...

first things first...it just doesn't matter whose name is on that label...and it surely doesn't matter what the price of the item was...even if it was marked down 10 times...

what matters...

do you love this piece?  does it flatter you...now...does it make you feel confident...powerful...beautiful...thinner...(fill in the blank)...

that's what matters...

when it comes to shopping...buy what you truly love...buy what truly fits you...buy less...buy better...be picky about your selections...in the end...you will have a closet full of endless potential...trust me...

photo source

closet clean out 101...

call it what you want...closet clean out...closet audit...purging session...the thought of cleaning out the closet...or a chest of drawers...for a lot of people is not a fun event...and for many...it can be overwhelming...but if you are not ready for a professional wardrobe consultant to come in and help you...here are some easy steps to get you started...

believe me...sometimes the hardest of tasks are easier when they are broken into manageable steps...when it comes to your closet...think of how you want to start...by categories?  for example...just your pants...then your tops...etc...whatever method you choose...here are three easy questions to ask yourself on every piece...and if the task seems huge...which it might be...scale it down to baby steps...

how about looking at 5 items a day...or work on the closet for an hour a week...you choose how you'd like to proceed...i think you will be amazed at the progress that is made..even in baby steps...

so...closet clean out 101...pick an item...and ask yourself these 3 questions...

1.  would i buy this if i saw it in a store today?

2.  does this article of clothing fit my life today?

3.  is it helping me in the image i'm trying to portray?

if you answered no to any of these questions...do not put the item back in your closet...

simple closet clean out 101...try it...purging can be SO freeing....

and if even taking these simple baby steps seems too much to bear...consider calling a wardrobe consultant that can walk you through these steps...and help you get your closet in tip top shape...it will be some of the best money you've spent...really!

photo source

saying no to old rules...

while working with clients...or even in chatting it up with friends...it still amazes me how many "fashion rules" are still stuck in people's heads...rules that have no validity...nor make any sense...do you have some fashion rules that possibly were passed on down from your mother or grandmother?  or possibly a sales person told you a fashion rule...that you have repeated over and over in your shopping adventures...

sometimes...we just need to put a stop to some of the old rules we have been reciting for much too long...

one that i still hear quite often is...

 - no white after labor day...in fact i devoted a whole blog post to that rule...click here to read it...yes...you can wear white after labor day...and let's switch it the other way around...you can even wear black in the summer...it really boils down to the texture and weight of the fabric...so based on what season you are in...the weights of the fabric and texture will play a role in the items you choose...

here are some others...

 - do not mix metallics...why?  they look fabulous together...so go ahead...mix your gold with your silver...add in color to the mix if you'd like...be adventurous...and most of all...chuck this rule out the window...

 - don't wear blue & black together...i say DO wear blue and black together...such a gorgeous combination...have you tried it?

 - always match your handbag to your shoes...only if you want to look dated...the fun in creating interesting outfits...is finding pieces that "go-together" but don't look matchy-matchy...find details or colors that compliment each other...

 - sequins/embellishments in your clothing...and/or your dressier glitzy accessories should only be worn in the evening...they are truly perfect for your day wear...of course you don't want to look like you are headed to a disco (am i showing my age?)...but pairing a fabulous sequined top with your jeans...or wearing your rhinestone necklace with a classic white shirt is a rule you want to definitely incorporate into your wardrobe ensembles...

any other rules you have stuck in your head that i might have missed?  list them in the comment section below...let's help each other dissolve these rules that need to be broken...

photo source

the classics with a twist...

when i think of the classics...one that comes to mind is the lovely jackie o...jacqueline kennedy onassis...was always picture perfect in her classic looks...she looked chic...and more importantly...effortlessly chic...some may find the classics "boring"...but when you add a twist to your classics...they will be anything but boring...

so when we think classics...what comes to mind?  cardigans...sheath dresses...trench coats...turtlenecks...fitted tweed pants...these classic shapes have been around for a long long time...but there are ways of adding a new detail that can up the anty on these classics...

take the sheath dress...in this pic...you can see that a different belt is added to each dress...such an easy way to add dome new detail to a sheath dress...but don't go for basic black...how about a fun gold belt?  or any metallic...a bit more adventurous?  add a vibrant colored belt...the options are limitless...and so will your sheath dress then take on several new personalities...nothing better then wearing a plain ole sheath dress...and it looks like a new one everytime you put it on...just by changing up your belt...

accessories are another way to add a twist to your plain old sheath dress...whether you add a nice statement necklace...or add a range of different lengths of necklaces...you can change it up so many different ways...and once again...the dress looks different every time...

talk about cost per wear!  and if you are shopping for a sheath dress...go for some color...while the piece will be classic in its look...the color will be fresh...vibrant and new...and then...even with color...you can still play around with the belts and/or accessories...

photo source

if you are shopping for a new trench coat...how about skipping on the khaki standard...and go for a rich color...want to take it up a few more notches?  how about a trench in a black patent leather?? how edgy will that trench coat be?

when looking at cardigans...or twin sets...again...look for the unexpected details...and if you are working with items already in your closet...repeat repeat repeat...add a new belt...add a scarf...add new accessories...

classic with a twist...coming right up!

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...

photo source

mixing high and low...

one of the fashion tidbits that i post on my facebook and twitter pages is:  'don't be afraid to match high end & low end clothing & accessories...the trick is picking low end that looks high end...' i would say that the best description i can give of this was at the oscars...remember when sharon stone paired a valentino skirt with a black gap t-shirt?  the next day...it was the talk of the town...and she made it look effortless...actually come to think of it...she did it again...when she paired a beautiful lilac vera wang skirt with a gap button down shirt...tre chic...no?

which it can be...the cost of an item is really not that important...what is important is that the garment looks great on you...fit fit fit...don't i always get back to fit?  so what i usually tell my clients...spend the money on the classic pieces...the ones you know you will have in your closet for years to come...you want to get what you can most afford...and then the fill ins...this is where you get creative...

pair a fabulous jacket with a t-shirt from your favorite low-end store...mix your grandmothers pearls with a few less expensive necklaces...are you getting the idea?  after all...a label is a label...besides...who really sees the label?  if a garment looks good on you...it is a keeper...

when shopping at low-end stores...do take a look at the stitching and such...while the garments won't be as intricate as a higher designer garment may be (although i've seen some that could be questioned...) if the garment looks "cheap" pass on it...you can find less expensive items that still look like you paid a little something for them...

photo source

a nation of slobs...

cbs news did a segment called "dressing down a culture for refusing to dress up"...in it...professor linda przybyszewski talks about a class she teaches at the university of notre dame called "a nation of slobs"...in discussing how there was a time that people got dressed up for social occasions...but also...just to have dinner...

very interesting take of what some of her students say in the video...they dress up for her class...and it is encouraging to hear some younger students say that when they see someone in pajama bottoms for breakfast...there is a chuckle there...because truly...how long would it take to put on a pair of pants?  especially if you took the time to put on make-up..right?

watch the video below...some fun segments from old movies and tv shows...a definite nostalgic piece...who else remembers beaver of 'leave it to beaver' telling his mom..."boy mom, you sure look expensive"...or did i just date myself?  =)

while i don't think we need to go back to wearing hats and gloves (although, personally i would love that...) there is something about putting a little thought in your dress...

wearing white...

a great look for the spring/summer season is wearing your whites...now while some will shy away from an all white look...the look is fresh...crisp...and perfect for this time of year...

for an all over white look...layering is the way to go...for an easy way to pull it off...take a high neck, boxy sheer white top...over a scoop white tank top...nicely fitted...pair with your favorite white jeans or capri's...and you've got a great warm day outfit...

photo source

want to go a bit dressier?  create a column of white with a flowy white pant with a crocheted linen top...or add a little lace...

of course...the lwd (little white dress) is always a plus...no frill...no fuss...but oh so put together...this short one is adorable...if you don't want short...go for a cute maxi...even a white maxi skirt paired with a white tank top will have the same appeal...

photo source

not comfortable in an all over white outfit?  try out some new accessories...how about a new pair of sunglasses in a standout white frame?

photo source

a crisp white jacket is a nice addition as well...i recently dragged out of my closet...a beautiful almost braided like leather jacket in a pearl white...a perfect addition for my spring/summer outfits...you also can add a white jean jacket...cardigan...these will all be nice additions for your sun dresses and spring/summer colors...

give your brown and black belts a rest this season...opt for a nice white belt...it's perfect worn over your tunic top or sundresses...

skinny rope belt
j crew

what will you be sporting in white this season?

dear fashion advisor: dress over pants...

i love getting questions from my readers...so keep sending them in...while this one made me think of my younger days...when my mom used to dress me with a dress over pants...although i don't think she was going for a stylish look...more so for a warmth & coverage look... =)

Q:  what is the "right" way to wear a dress over pants?

A:  i actually love this look...and have posted some wonderful pics of women doing it right...here are some tips...

 - proportion...for the length of the dress (or skirt) the most flattering would hit you about mid thigh...you can go longer depending on your height...but for most women - the longer hemlines will overwhelm your frame...this would work as in the first picture...because the bottom half of the dress is black as are the pants...so the line is long and lean...

 - the dress...should be fitted...and the more simple the dress - the better this look plays off...you don't want to have bulkiness all around the dress...not flattering on most...

 - the pants...pants should be fitted...think skinny jeans/cigarette pants...but boot cut or flared bottoms will work as well...but the thigh down to about below the knee should be pretty fitted...to pull off this look...

hope this helps!  i have tried to show a variety of pics from going dressy to a casual bohemian look...

photo source

photo source

photo source

photo source

choosing necklaces for necklines...

i came across this lovely tutorial on pinterest...great little tidbit to have for yourself...if you ever get stuck on a certain neckline...and aren't sure what type of necklace to wear...this should get you going...

of course this isn't the "bible" on necklaces for necklines...feel free to experiment...but if you are in a bind...just click on the pic below to enlarge...

happy accessorizing!

photo source

what not to wear when working from home...part 3

truth be told...working from home does have its advantages...so if you are one of those peeps...whether you work from home full time...or have the ability to conduct business off site for a few days a week...enjoy it...enjoy the non commute...enjoy the quiet...enjoy lots of things...but don't get into a mode of being sloppily dressed...

as i dove into this subject of what not to wear when working from home part 1 & part 2...click on the links if you would like a refresher...the last part of this is scenario time...perhaps you are thinking...i'm okay...no one will see me...plus i don't look that bad...

may i say first & foremost...look your best for yourself...not others...YOU deserve it!  but put your self in these situations...and what would your thought be?

scenario 1:  you are expecting something in the mail...and your mailbox is 20 feet from your door...you are in your home work attire...would you be mortified if a neighbor greeted you at your mailbox?

scenario 2:  a friend knows you're working from home today and calls you near noon with a last minute lunch invitation.  would you be able to say yes...jump in the car as soon as you hung up the phone...and head to the restaurant?

scenario 3:  your boss sends an email blast and wants to set up a video conference in 30 minutes...are you scrambling to pull a look together or are you focused on the work agenda so you can be sharp and ready?

the great thing about working from home is that you do have the freedom to create your own dress code...what works for you?  and what is comfortable for you?  maybe you say yes to jeans but pair them with a silky jersey t-shirt...a navy easy-fit cotton blazer...and flats...maybe you say no to jeans and prefer a simple dress...sandals...and a long necklace...

your work attire deserves thoughtfulness and respect...need help developing yours? start looking at pics of casual attire...if you are local...give me a call...i'd love to support you!  

photo source

what not to wear when working from home...part 2

so yesterday i started a blog post about what not to wear while working from home...part 1...i have to say...i love all the comments i received on the blog...in email...facebook & twitter...seems that the majority of my readers that work from home...do think about "dressing" up for their work day...and by dressing up...i mean...still being casually dressed...while not in your pj's or workout gear...

while the pic i chose for today is clearly someone out in public...in their pajamas...i am continuing part 2...of what not to wear when working from home...pajamas in public can stir up many more blog posts...maybe i'll save that for a later date...because as funny as this pic might look...it is a reality...unfortunately...and one i've seen many many times...

so did you used to have a morning routine...when you actually went into an office?  keep a part of it or all of it...these things may seem minor...but...take the time to shower or wash your face...put on some makeup...even if it's minimal...all these little routines will make you feel like you're showing up to your work projects looking sharp...get dressed for the day before you get sucked into reading and responding to emails...

while my office is upstairs...right next door to my bedroom...it would be very easy for me to just plop in my office chair and get going...and before you know it...hours have passed...and i look like i did when i crawled out of bed...instead...think of it this way...even thought the distance to your office may be seven steps to the spare bedroom down the hall...don't skimp on your morning "me" time...have your cup of tea or coffee...read the paper or something inspiring...review your goals or affirmations...have something to eat...prepare to go to work...

when it comes to getting dressed...don't pull clothes from your workout pile or grab something that's been tossed into the back of your closet...don't choose what is hanging on the side of your bed...that was thrown there from a prior day...or worse yet...continue wearing what you slept in...be intentional...if you want to make a bridge from your home life to your work life...use the language of clothes to make the point that you're going to work...

instead of throwing on an old tee-shirt...wear a non-iron blouse instead...

instead of that cardigan with the missing buttons...wear one of your nicer ones...

instead of those sloppy pajama bottoms...wear your favorite jeans...

instead of those ratty slippers...wear your comfy flats...

not sure how you are doing?  stay tuned for part 3 tomorrow...i will give you a few scenarios to think of...that will help you decide if your "work from home" attire needs some sprucing...

photo source

what not to wear when working from home...part 1

let's face it...for those of us working from home...there are perks...no rushing to get out the door...no traffic...and for some...no need to get dressed...meaning...let me stay in my pajama's all day...truth be told...i have done that...but two things happened...

one...i didn't feel like i was truly working...i didn't feel as productive...now some may say that has nothing to do with what i'm wearing...and everything to do with my mind-set...while i believe that...i have found that i am more productive...and work harder when i am "dressed"...being in my pajama bottoms and a tee-shirt...although VERY comfortable...i noticed a little bit of a relaxed mode...almost...lazy...i mean...i'm usually thinking about lounging when i'm in my pj's...

two...although this didn't happen every day...and it took only one time for me to say never again...the doorbell rings...and i am frantically trying to make myself look at least semi professional...or at least like a took a shower...not a good thing...especially in my profession...

while more and more people are working from home..it would seem easy to stay in your pajamas or workout clothes all day...but is that really the best uniform for you?

while the home office could and should have a more casual dress code...eliminating a dress code all together could be a mistake...paying attention to your grooming and your attire even if no one will see you could give you a structure to your workday that benefits you and increases your productivity...

so tomorrow...i will go into what not to wear...but more importantly...what TO wear...

so based on the pic below...what are you most likely to wear when working from home?  according to the citrix survey...these were the results...where do you fit in?

49% wore jeans and a t-shirt

25% wore pajamas

14% wore workout clothes

12% wore "other

photo source

how to incorporate new trends via a scarf...

an easy way to add a new trend to your already fabulous style...perhaps a trend that you like...but want to step into lightly...is via a scarf...a scarf to begin with...is already a great way to add style to an outfit...for the spring/summer season...you want to think about light weight scarves...such as in linen, cotton, silk or a blend of these...

say for example you are loving that pastels are big this season (which they are...along with bold bright colors) but you aren't really keen on getting big pieces in pastel...finding a scarf in your favorite pastel color is all you need...add it to your neutrals...your plain white tees...or mix it in with some brights...and you have just incorporated a new trend in your wardrobe...without going all out...

infinity scarf
j crew

the same would work in a bold color...you don't need to buy a whole pant suit in a bold color (unless of course that is your style)...just find that perfect bold color in a scarf...

perhaps you are interested in playing with prints...but feeling a bit timid...here are some fun examples of adding a fun geometric or floral print...doesn't it add just the perfect amount of fun to an outfit?

echo geo wrap
nordstrom

liberty floral scarf
j crew

kate spade chevron stripe scarf
nordstrom

such an easy way to bring your basics to life...or baby steps to trying out a new trend...a scarf is easy and the choices are limitless...