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

aici september kick-off event...

a few weeks back...i attended the aici (association of image consultants international) san francisco chapter september kick-off event...the event was held at one of my favorite places...bloomingdales in san francisco...thought i would share some of the highlights...like our lovely centerpieces...courtesy of bloomingdales...these were my favorites that i was lusting after...

and of course...how appropriate that the pair at my welcome table...was a polka dot dream...here i am preparing to welcome the guests...and doing my other "treasurer" duties...while admiring said shoes...everyone was convinced that they would be mine by the end of the evening...but alas...they are still at the store...

the evening was all about fall trends...and some of us were coerced volunteered to share our favorite fall trends...i decided on three...at one time...but it worked...without being a trend over load...
i chose fur...which you see on my vintage 80's jacket...sleeves trimmed with a luscious fox fur...a cluster of brooches on my jacket...and my "oxblood" booties...

most of the "models" like me...had pulled items out of their closets...which is always fun...when you can see what trends are coming out...what will work for your specific body and life style...and then have it already available in your closet...

the jacket i purchased about 2 years ago...great find at a church rummage sale...the brooches...i've had forever...picked up at flea markets...and my fun ankle booties...i purchased 3 years ago...so...look in your closet for those forgotten pieces that may be "just right"...right now!

and here i am with our lovely speaker...brenda kinsel...whom i love and adore...