Don’t be a fashion victim!

Fashion Doesn't Have to be Scary!

Perhaps the designers at Marc by Marc Jacobs liked the idea of infusing bold colors with different patterns to create texture and interest, but Dawn of the Dead in Technicolor?  Please! Buying and wearing every item in the spring collections is neither a good investment for your wallet nor your closet.  Collecting a few key pieces should be your strategy to looking updated and fresh. Here are my 3 simple steps to accomplishing your spring goals: 1. Choose one or two new looks that appeal to you. 2. Analyze what each look has to offer, and why it caught your attention. 3. Choose a few pieces from that analysis to make the looks your own. .

I’m going to now put these 3 steps into play with inspirations from Harper’s Bazaar, March 2010.  I’ve decided that my first favorite trend is nautical.  For me it represents carefree, fun summers whether I’m at the beach or just relaxing in Adirondack chairs watching the sun set.  The fabrics, textures and colors of the nautical look are clean, fresh and strong

My second favorite trend this season is the color red.  Red is dramatic, strong, and full of energy.  Red is terrific in a dress or a statement blouse, but it’s just as great in small doses as an accent color.  It’s incredibly versatile, and for me, the oh-so-practical-stylist, that is what I want in a color. So now that I have chosen my two favorite spring trends, how do I incorporate them into my closet so my existing pieces look updated and fresh?

I have decided on 4 new items that I would like to have based on these favorite picks.

1. Blue and white striped top or jacket
2. Woven wedge sandal in natural, navy or red
3. Red top (Make sure it’s in YOUR red.  For me, that would be a true red, not orange-red as shown in the above picture. If you don’t know, you need an analysis.)
4. Bold accessory like a belt or bracelet that screams “nautical.”

And how do I tie these items back to my wardrobe?  My options are endless, but let me give you a few examples:

1. Either of the tops and/or jacket would work back with my navy suit for business casual.
2. My jean skirt and natural blazer could be paired with either of the tops plus the wedges.
3. Adding the bold bracelet and/or belt along with the wedges to my navy suit easily gives me a fresh, updated business look.

So you see, just by adding a few pieces from the season’s trends can keep you on track with your budget but still make you feel like you’re wearing new and exciting outfits.  Choosing from a few of your favorite trends is easier too.  But most of all, it just makes sense to avoid the over-done, and often times, scary looks seen in the fashion magazines.

If you are still wondering how to incorporate some fresh new looks into your spring wardrobe, call me now for your free initial consult.  Let me help you with your wardrobe strategies today. You can reach me by phone 919.624.2294 or email me – kate@adistinctiveimage.com.

Top 5 Wardrobe Strategies For 2010: Cost-Saving Tips That Are Easy To Follow

1. The Skinny on Belts.

Belts can make an outfit look very pulled-together. The key to successful belt-wearing is knowing your figure type. For example, if you are short-waisted or have a higher hip, go for a narrow belt. A wide belt looks great on a longer waist because there’s room to spare. If you bulge around the belt, try a thinner belt or a bigger size. A bigger size works well to “skim” the waist while defining it. A belt peeking out from under a jacket creates the illusion of a waist, even if you don’t have one!

2. Just MY size.

If you think clothes should fit you perfectly off the rack, think again! And forget about clothes’ sizes too. Fit to the largest part of your body. For example, choose a pair of pants that skim over your hips and thighs, ignoring the gaping waist. A waist can be easily altered. Become friends with your tailor to get “just my size” clothing.

3. The Secret Behind Your Face.

Do you have an angled or contoured face? Harmony and balance can be created easily with the right neckline. Choose your necklines and style lines that best represent your face shape. If your jaw area is more angled, than a v-neck or square neck will be more flattering than a scoop neck.

4. Size Does Matter … When it Comes to Accessories.

Keep your patterns and accessories in proportion to your body and pay attention to their placement. Oversized earrings or large designs overwhelm a petite person, just as a small purse will look disproportionate on a fuller- figured person. Much like an overwhelming design, jeans with a design on the back pockets are not the best choice if you don’t want to call attention to your derriere. And be aware that a purse with a short shoulder strap will add width to your upper torso.

5. The Quest for Color!

Your personal style begins with knowing your best colors. Use color to reflect your personality while sending specific messages. Are you fashionable and creative? Try a navy, yellow and purple color combination. Or do you want others to see you as intelligent? Go with yellow! With a little help, finding the right colors and smart combinations can be your first simple pleasure of the New Year.

As a professional style consultant, I want to help you create a style that works for you and is easy to maintain. Life is too short! Don’t get bogged down with a closet full of “nothing-to-wear” items. A few simple tricks, a palette with 40 of YOUR best colors and a personal style portfolio is all you need to look great every day.

Contact me if you want to “keep it simple!”
Call Kate @ 919.624.2294
or email her @ kate@adistinctiveimage.com

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OK, some of you may be thinking, “That’s not a messy closet!”

But for someone like me, this is totally a disaster! I have a very small closet and it must stay neat and organized for me to maintain my sanity. Getting dressed each day should not be a chore, nor should it instill a bad mood.

What is your idea of a perfect closet? For me, it has to be orderly and organized by color.

Regardless of whether you are male or female, wear suits or business casual, or work in a corporate environment or at home, you should place high importance on your closet and your wardrobe. A messy wardrobe or a closet full of “nothing” can really affect your attitude for the rest of the day.

Here are 5 key points to consider for your own wardrobe:

1. Build a wardrobe that meets your lifestyle needs. (Use a pie graph to chart this.) An example would be:

a.  55% of your time needs work clothes
b.  35% – family time/play clothes
c.  5% – athletic/outdoor activities
d.  5% – social events

2. Do you travel a lot for business or pleasure? Do you have a system for packing quickly and effectively?

3. What colors are predominant in your wardrobe? Is that working for you or would you like to add more color into the mix? (I’m going out on a limb here to assume you mostly have black!)

4. What’s your personal style like? Could you describe it? Could you recognize it in

a store?

5. Do you have time to shop and plan for your wardrobe?

Taking the time NOW to organize, purge and reclaim your wardrobe is a smart investment. Save your precious dollars! Don’t buy something just because it’s on sale. And stop wasting time and money on bad clothing mistakes because you were under some time pressure.

Put your energies into your existing wardrobe:

• Do analyze your lifestyle needs to make sure you have the correct proportion of work clothes to play clothes to social events, etc.
• Take the time to go through all of your spring/summer (don’t worry about your winter clothes till the fall) items to make sure each piece fits you well, flatters your skin tone, hair and eyes and is in good condition.
• Please purge the items that don’t pass this test. This may be most of your wardrobe. Don’t panic.
• Look for other ways to wear your current pieces together. I bet you can find different looks if you try.
• Stop! Don’t forget to jot down any items that you need to add or want to replace, like your white dress shirts. A season of dry cleaning/washing will dull your whites to a dingy yellow.

Know your colors, what looks best on YOUR body and what style is most like you (Look for the commonalities in your current wardrobe.)

Maybe because I’m headed on a business/fun trip soon or perhaps it’s because I watched “Bucket List” again that has me thinking of “lists.” One in particular that has been swirling around in my head is what to wear/what to take on this trip. So, the other day, I sat down and just jotted down all the items that one might need for a trip based on weather, activities, dressy or casual events, etc.  Although I don’t know if I really need every item on the list, it does get me thinking about my trip as well as my spring wardrobe. No pressure here. Just add any item that you would like to have. (i.e. capri’s, wedges, lightweight blazer/jacket, fun handbag, casual dress, etc.)
I’m hearing a few “groans” from some of you who would rather go to the dentist than think of packing for a trip, let alone preparing for this season’s wardrobe! Thinking ahead can ease the stress and burden of it all. Besides, it’s certainly not too early to think of your spring/summer wardrobe! After all, we are officially in the season of spring, even if it’s chilly outside. Right now, the new season’s styles are out in the stores and most are already on sale. So, if you see something that passes the 3F’s test (Fit, Flatter & Function [does it go with 3 other items in your closet?]), than by all means, snap it up. And not just because it’s on sale!

This brings me back to my list … do I own the items that I jotted down? If yes, are those pieces in good condition? Case in point, my wedges. Yikes! They definitely need replacing.  I can buy those online or in the stores since shoes, for me, are easy.  However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Tip #1: Buy items that work for you, your body type, face shape and personality over buying something just because it’s a hot trend.

Ok, so I don’t have all of the items on the list, but now I can scrutinize just what I really do need.

Tip # 2 Prioritize your wish list. What is really necessary and what can I do without since my budget is slimmer this year and the carry-on bag must not bulge.

Now with my list trimmed down, I now know exactly what I need to buy, pack and wear for this trip of mine … and it’s not 11:30 p.m. on the eve of my trip!  Success!  I will also be that much closer to having my spring wardrobe organized when I return from my trip. Woohoo!