jean leggings

For those of you living under a rock, I am here to tell you that you must buy a pair of jean leggings. They add a new sexy, stylish look that is comfortable too. "Jeggings" are slimming, butt-enhancing, and very stylish.

Many different jean brands design jean leggings such as Hudson and J-brand, and you need to choose your rise, style, finish and leg style. After you choose those things according to your body shape and what occasion they are for, you can put together the perfect outfit.

While they still look like jeans it is better to wear them as if you were putting together an outfit with leggings. Don't wear shirts that are tucked in or cropped. The jeggings look great with a belted shirt or tunic, and ankle boots.

blazer

The blazer is a great, flattering, trendy, and eye-catching look that can make you feel confident walking into any room. It works with all body types and can be chosen in different styles. It is a great look for going out on the town paired with a great pair of dark skinny jeans and pumps.

A single breasted blazer that is a neutral color is a perfect choice, dressed up or down, and can be worn with many different pieces. Wear them with jeans, skirts, and dresses.

When choosing your blazer look for is a snug fit without being overly tight or loose at the shoulders. A curved seam at the torso often provides a better fit. Some blazers feature a vertical slit at the back for more comfort. There's a wide range of materials to choose from such as silk, wool, linen, cotton, polyester, gabardine, and knit. If you are looking for a more dressy look, satin and silk are the best choices.

Lastly, when you are choosing your blazer it's important to focus on your shape. If you are very slim, you should stick to a single-button jacket. For a larger shape it might be best to wear a double-buttoned jacket. If you have a large bust, avoid jackets that have wide lapels, because they will make the bust area look even better. If you have a short torso and want to make it appear longer, go with a blazer that is a little longer for the best results.

Although I would recommend sticking to the fitted jacket, I should mention that another look is to wear a loose unstructured jacket. This can be paired with jeans for a more casual look.

winter wonderland

Just because it's cold outside doesn't mean you should hibernate or make an excuse to wear baggy sweats everywhere. Take this time to wear fantastic clothes. There are many options to feel like cozy and sexy at the same time!

1. Sweater dress with suede boots
2.Skinny jeans with tall leather boots
3.Leggings with all sorts of dresses and boots depending on the occasion.

HOLIDAY PARTY DRESS CODE

It's finally the time of year when there are tons of parties. Get excited about adding a little dazzle to the night and wear that dress you've been waiting to take out of the closet. With some creativity and different accessories you can make your favorite dress the perfect outfit for all the holiday parties. Remember to dress appropriately according to the occasion. I thought I would share some tips so you don't have to break the bank.

1. Find your LBD (little black dress). This dress is the foundation of all of your outfits and can be changed around so that it will be the look of the night.

2. Figure out what type of atmosphere the party is going to be and whom you will be with. You don't want to be wearing anything too flashy when you are mingling with your co-workers but you also don't want to look like you are at a funeral when you're out with the girls.

3.Go in your closet, or of course if you are okay with treating yourself to a nice holiday gift...head to the store. Pull out a belt with sequins, sexy booties,below the knee boots, big dangling earrings, and bangle bracelets.

4.For an office party you will want to tone it down a little, but still have some fun, because this is finally a time when you see your co-workers outside of the office. Now that you are all set with your LBD, add your below the knee boots as long as they do not look like hooker boots. Nice suede ones, if you have them, are a good choice and the heel shouldn't be too tall. Put on those dangling earrings and bracelets, if you want, and you are good to go.

5.For going out on the town, have some more fun. Wear the LBD and you can add some sparkle. Sexy stilettos or booties would go great. This is where it is perfect to add your sequined belt, which you should wear below the bust, to create an empire waist of sparkle. Put on the dangling earrings and definitely wear some bangle bracelets. After that you are all set for the night.

Iris Apfel

If there is one to be learned from Iris Apfel, it's to be free! She is known for her larger-than-life style. The Peabody Essex Museum is holding an exhibit showing off Iris' Park Avenue closets. Her style is inspiring, crazy, unique, and iconic.

Even though some of the looks may look a little silly on most people, and break a few "rules" in the fashion world, that is why they are great. Her attitude and ideas really send a message of "do what makes you happy" and be creative. She loved to layer and layer...and layer jewelry even if it covered her entire body. Normally I would say, if you are someone who loves to wear jewelry, you should stop at the door before you leave the house and take off a piece of jewelry no matter what, but Iris Apfel makes it work.

The exhibit includs maniquins wearing her wonderful winter jackets, dresses, hats, pants, everything that you would love to wear if you were a regular in Aspen. Her clothing collection is enriched by her experience with fabric design as an interior designer.

This is definitely an exhibit to see and will hopefully spark your fashion creativity.

Rock the Runway II

Last night I got to enjoy seeing the the best model rocking it on the runway. The fashion show was put on by Reggie Productions at the Hyatt in Boston for the benefit of the American Cancer Society's Making Strides against Breast Cancer. Clothing was provided by Betsy Johnson, Lit Boutique, Cameo Couture, Isabel Originals, Lily & Migs.

I attended the show with no expectation regarding the fashion, but I was pleasantly surprised. I was very excited to see Amber show off her secret life as a model and her outfits were great. The adjectives that would fully explain the night would be sparkly, tight, black, and mini. The outfits I liked the most included a long sleeve v-neck mini dress that was pearl white with silver sequins, a dark gray mini sweater dress, a high-waisted ruffled black skirt with a purple tucked in blouse, and a long black high-collared jacket.

This fashion show was a very good example of how to take different pieces and combine them in many different ways to make beautiful outfits. Since a lot of the styles were a little over the top and sometimes crossing into the inappropriate level, it was important not to just disregard them but to be able to visualize how individual pieces could be used differently. While you shouldn't wear mini shorts with a low cut shirt, the mini shorts would look cute with a blouse shirt or jacket. Some of the mini dresses that don't actually reach an appropriate level over your knees would look very cute with leggings and booties.

The trends highlighted in this fashion show were sequined dresses, high collared coats, high-waisted skirts, and mini sweater dresses.

SPARKLE

It's almost holiday time and fall fashion is kicking in. The new big thing, whether inspired by Michael Jackson or people ready to shine, are sequins. Usually the best way to shine is with a little touch of color or glitz, but this fall, dresses are full of sequins. Shining silver sequined skirts are the way to go. Don't be afraid to get the attention you deserve when going out for drinks with friends or getting your dance on. Find these different pieces at any store whether it's neiman marcus, H & M, or local boutiques. Don't try to dress down the sequined look or it will look like a confused look. This is the type of look that you go all out with and have fun. The things that you still need to be aware of are fit and color. Keep in mind of your body type and figure out what works best for you.

leggings solve the problem

Do you have that special dress you love to wear in the warm weather and now you think you can't wear it? Don't worry because if you just wear the right stockings or leggings with it go for it! It's a great way to wear many things you thought you couldn't wear in the cold weather. You can even wear those cute booties you thought wouldn't be warm enough to wear.

Be careful with too many patterns. It's great to add some style with your leggings as long as your dress doesn't have too much pattern.

Must-haves for Fall

While some may be upset that it is getting colder, the fall brings a whole new excitement about fashion. When you first think about what to buy or what you are going to wear, remember to focus on a few essentials that should be in your closet.

-classic trench coat (can be worn in any weather or occasion)
-suede boot (perfect with most outfits like skirts, dresses, and even over skinny jeans. If it has at least a little heel it can be worn in any occasion).
-fitted jacket that can be worn with any outfit. (Fitted also means that it should fit to your particular body shape.)
-leather hand bag
-sheath dress (can be worn to work and out on the town)
-Splurge on a nice pair of jeans that are perfect for your body
-pear shape: wide-leg, or flared jeans
-apple shape: bootcut, or flared jeans
-hourglass shape: wide-leg or flared jeans
-rectangular shape: straight-legged jeans

Day and Night

This idea came up when I was out in the city all day and needed to stay throughout the night. Dresses are a good option that can be worn day and night.

Some features to look for:
-open neckline
-fitted-waist silhouette
-figure-skimming
-cap sleeves
-Knee length hem

In Style magazine says, "Look for dresses that nip in at the waist and slightly flare out over hips and thighs."

It is also best to wear a solid color dress so that you can switch accessories to match the occasion.

Shoes for Men

There are specific shoes for different looks. Here are some general rules:

-Choose a shoe that "goes" or is darker than your pants **Remember: outfits should "go" not "match"
-If you are confused how to make your shoe go with your outfit look at your belt and work from there

Shoes with jeans:
You can wear pretty much any style and color shoe with jeans. Think about what type of outfit you are wearing and start with your shirt. If you are wearing a polo shirt, a loafer might be more appropriate that basketball sneakers. Try not to wear too shiny of a shoe because that is alittle more dressy.

Shoes with Dress Pants:
General rule is to wear shinier shoes that are either the same color or darker than your pants.

Color tips:
Black shoes work well with navy, grey or black pants.
Brown shoes are best suited to tan, brown, beige, greens, other darker earth tones.
Burgundy shoes work well with khaki, lighter browns, blue and grey.
Tan shoes look great with lighter earth tones, blue, beige, lighter tan or white.

Quick Tip

Men get judged by what watch they wear like Women get judged by their shoes and handbag. Think about what message you are trying to send.

Men's essentials

Hi everyone,
I'm sorry it has been a little while but I am happy to be back and I have gotten a lot of questions from guys about style and tips so I thought I'd give some time to the guys.

Let's start with some essentials:
It's important for guys to buy some suits and jackets in a neutral color such as black or gray that can be used for work or even dress down for after work.

The pieces you can have fun with are shirts and ties. **Remember: you can wear any color with a neutral** so wear a color you like that may bring out your eye color or you're just in the mood for that day. If you would rather wear that crazy patterned tie please do not go crazy with both the shirt and the tie; choose one or the other. One article stated "Select the tie pattern by choosing shirt and tie patterns to complement, not compete with, each other. A subtly striped shirt can back a boldly striped tie, while a more eye-catching shirt demands a quieter tie."

Another essential is a good coat. A good classic trench coat is very classy and can be worn in any occasion or season.

Keep his attention

When it gets to the third date, this is where you should have alittle fun. Think: fun,sexy,but not too high maintenance. It is important to know what type of date you are going. If it's appropriate for the occasion, pull out that dress that makes you feel sexy and confident. Sexy still does not mean show everything, but choose an outfit that can make his eyes open wide and stay on you.

Some options:
-little black sleeveless dress with pumps (ex:black dress with red pumps)
-dark jeans with a sexy but classy shirt and stilettos (ex:dark blue jeans with black top and gold shoes)
-Nothing too cute or covers too much like sweaters

Most importantly you need to wear something that will make you feel confident because your personality and attitude is what will get him.

Quick Tip

Try to get a sense of what you will be doing on your first date. You don't want to be wearing your nice stilettos to a baseball game

first date attire

I was in Colorado this weekend..sorry for the lack of posts these past few days. While in Colorado I was meeting with a client to organize her closet and pick something out for a first date. The number one rule when going on a first date is: leave alittle to the imagination. If your first date is a dinner date your look should be sophisticated but sexy. A great outfit is a nice pair of dark jeans with a silk top that doesn't show too much of the girls but is flattering and a pair of pumps. You can never go wrong with a black top and if you add some color you can do it with jewelry. Don't go too crazy with the jewelry but some nice earrings such as drop earrings would be great. If you don't want to go for the jeans look then a simple dress that is not too tight and is around knee length with a kitten heel is a great option too.

You want to show him you are confident and classy with style and but know how to have a good time without letting him know everything on the first date. Leave him wanting to know more.

Check back for what to wear on your next dates

Set the trends at work

work outfit from nordstrom


Something important to think about when figuring out what to wear to work is dress code. After your first week of work you should be able to understand what is appropriate: business attire, business casual (most common), or casual.



Some basic rules include:

Business attire: keep it more conservative than not. No flashy clothes or setting new trends and it is usually best to wear closed toed shoes. If you are going to wear a skirt, it absolutely needs to be no shorter than knee length. Just so you are not completely bored with your look, add one piece that is fun such as a nice bracelet.

Business Casual: This is where it is appropriate to step outside of the box and have alittle fun. Make sure you are still appropriate and stick to the general business outfit rules but it is absolutely okay to add some some trends here and there.

Some examples:
-A vest goes great with trousers
-Instead of the original basic suit outfit, add a twist like a suit jacket that has a peter pan collar or one with a belt. Also, a great suit dress or skirt that is fitted but not too tight so you're not showing too much butt (leave some to the imagination) is a great option
-Use shoes to add some fun to a work outfit. Heels are usually ideal but why not go for a subtle snake skin pump(not if business attire) or a great kitten heel.
-Throw some color into your wardrobe too. You don't want to look like you are summer vacation with all of your bright colors, but you should try to add a hint of color to your life instead of just wearing neutral. If you are too nervous to wear too much color in your clothes, start off with a colorful piece of jewelry.

great work blazer (macys)

Quick Tip

One thing to think about if you are not sure how casual or dressy to be at work, is that it is always better to be a little more dressed up than you think. The first week of work you should continue to be alittle more dressed up and professional looking even if people in your office are wearing jeans. This doesn't mean wear a dress or something fancy (you shouldn't wear what you wear to a club anyway) but please stay away from jeans and casual wear. You want to give off the vibe that you care.

Update your work outfit

Since it's back to school time and people are beginning new jobs and just wanting to update their work wardrobe I thought I should share some tips and style updates for the perfect work outfit. There will be different tips throughout the week so stay tuned.

First I want to leave you with something to think about. DON'T BE BORING!! The old black skirt and white button up blouse doesn't do it. If you still want to keep that look. Look for a white blouse that may have some ruffles down the middle or an interesting collar with that black skirt. If you want to do something fun with the skirt you don't need to just stick to the regular pencil skirt. Go for a more wavy look or add a fun belt.

BOOTS!

Although it's a new week, I would like to add one more post about shoes. I love wearing boots in all seasons and I get excited every new season because there are so many different styles to wear. I have learned too, that even though I love all boots, some may not work as well for me because of my short height.

If you are short, it is better not to wear flat boots and to wear at least a little heel. If you wear them with a skirt or dress that is below the knee, the boot should be the same color to provide the lengthening effect. Also, even though it is always stylish to wear high boots, shorter people may want to check out booties or ankle boots because they won't make your body look so hidden.

If you have thick legs, try to avoid calf-length boots and ankle boots. Full length boots are more slimming.

Also, be informed about all of the different options. For going out at night, choose sexy ankle boots or mid length suede boots with a heel. There are great day boots to choose from, like cowboy or riding boots. Boots can be worn with every outfit and every occasion. Just like any other shoe, think about what look you are trying to go for and then decide the height, color, and material of the shoe to fit that attitude.

Quick Tip

If you have thick ankles or calves..avoid ankle straps on shoes!

A must have shoe!

Everyone, whether tall or short, must have a pair of stilettos. They are the perfect solution to an outfit to make you feel and look sexy. They can go with pretty much any outfit whether it is a dress, shorts, even pants. With pants, even though the shoe is hidden, they add great length.

Stilettos come in many different styles and come on pumps, boots, and sandals. You can wear these for pretty much any occasion whether it is daily or going out to a club. They really are that extra touch to make you feel special.

I know that many people may stay away from stilettos because they are afraid that they are uncomfortable or hard to walk in, but please try it. I find that the sandal stilettos tend to be a little easier to walk in.

It is just a must to have at least one pair of stilettos because they go with almost any outfit, any season, and make you feel great. Have fun with it and buy a pair that are different, like a gold or sexy black sandal.

Rounded vs Pointed Toed shoes

I usually go for pointy toe shoes because I find them sexier since they lengthen the foot. If it is too pointy you may look scary. Let's just say you shouldn't be buying pointed shoes that look sharp and dangerous. These shoes can also slenderize your foot. They may be harder to walk in so make sure you are comfortable. These shoes go great with are a good pair of jeans.

Round toe shoes work better if you have a medium or tall frame. These do not work as well with a short frame. These shoes go great with a flowy dress or skirt.

If you have long feet it is better to wear round toe shoes because they give an impression of shorter feet. On the other hand, if you have wider feet it is better to stick to a pointier shoe.

If you still can't decide which to wear, it depends what type of look you are going for. A pointier toe is usually more chic and the rounder toe is more dainty and pretty.

Diamonds aren't a girl's only best friend....

SHOES ARE TOO! Shoes are the finishing touch to an outfit and can change your look and the mood you are in at any time. There are all types of shoes that make different statements. Make sure the shoes are appropriate for the occasion.

Let's talk about wedges. The wedge is a great shoe to elongate the foot and make you look taller. They are also good when you have bigger ankles and calves. Wedges are good for a casual dressed up look. They are also for a more summery look. Wedges go with most outfits such as slinky skirts, and bootcut jeans.

Just remember that they are a more casual way of dressing up and be careful not to make them look "unclassy". Try not to wear them with anything too short (not that anyone should wear clothes that are too short). Just think about the occasion and how you want to present yourself and then you should know if it is appropriate to wear wedges.

If you still are not sure....ask away.

Belts!

Belts are a great accessory and can be figure-flattering.

Belts for bigger stomachs: A wide belt around the middle of your waist looks slimming and is best if the fastening is either narrower or wider than the belt strap to give it an even more slimming look. A belt on the hips works well with a tunic if you pull the tunic out a few inches over the belt. An empire waist belt looks good too but it may make your chest look bigger. A darker colored belt is best for this body type.

Belts for skinny frames: medium sized belts or skinny belts look best because it keeps your body in proportion.

Belts for short torsos: Wearing a belt color that is the same as your clothes is more slimming because wearing a belt of another color will just break up the torso even more.

arms

For those of you that think about every part of your body and specifically worry about your arms, there are many ways to feel comfortable about the way you look. If you have broader shoulders or larger upper arms, little ruffles are a good way to hide that or even feminize them more. Try to stay away from tight bands on the sleeves that make your arms look bigger. Also, don't be afraid to wear a pretty dress or shirt even if it shows off too much skin or parts of your upper body that you do not like. You can camouflage with a sweater or even better a shawl.

why work out?

Another great way to hide that little belly is by the use of undergarments that hold it in. Spanx is a great brand that has all kinds of shapers including underwear and tights. Make sure the undergarment you choose fits your body, because if it cuts you off at the wrong place it can make it look worse.

A great secret is wearing SPANDEX SHORTS. You know those bike shorts you bought because you thought you would go biking some day but didn't? Well you bought them for a good reason. They work great because you don't need to worry about underwear lines, they hold in that tummy, and you probably already own a pair. They also work well as a slip if your dress is a little see through.

Looking slim without working out

This week I will talk about different ways to look slim without working out. All you need to do is follow some tips and rules about what clothes will be flattering to your own body and accessories that can help as well. When you are focused on hiding a stomach, there are tricks to choose from. Starting with shirts, too many patterns can draw attention so if there is any pattern try to stick to a look that flows evenly from the top to the bottom, which will carry the eyes away from the stomach. In terms of the shape of your shirt, you will most likely want to accentuate your waist. Easy ways to do this is wear a shirt with an empire waist and shirts that flow at the bottom taking the eye away from the stomach. It's important to understand that wearing baggy clothes in an attempt to hid your stomach, may actually make it look worse.

colors that like each other

It is absolutely fine to wear different colors together. You don't need to just wear a neutral and a color. Certain colors go well together such as yellow and purple and blue. If you were to look at a color wheel you would notice that colors close to each other go with others too. For example since purple and blue go well together, pink would go well with a blue too. Now this doesn't mean go crazy and look like the rainbow, but experiment with a few colors at a time. Also, all shades of one color work great together.

When you are pairing different colors together it looks best if you choose one of the colors in a bolder shade and the other in a lighter shade. For example a navy would go well with a pastel or soft pink.

Again, like I said before, neutral colors like black, brown, tan, and gray go with all colors but try something new!

Personalize your colors

When choosing colors to wear you should think about your skin tone, hair color, and eye color.
For lighter skin-toned: stay away from beige and bland colors because they wash you away
For darker skin-toned: brighter colors look great. Black and white always look good when you're tan but don't forget to add the color somewhere else like in accessories.

For blonde hair I would recommend trying colors other than yellow and use colors that don't make your hair blend in with your shirt.
For darker hair softer colors work better like sky blues, soft reds.

In terms of eyes, clothes can always bring out your eye color. If you have blue eyes, pastels look great and other shades of your eye color.

Quick Tip

Yes..You can wear brown and black together. Try it!

Colors...use them!

If you go into your closet right now and realize that you have discovered your favorite color because everything in there is one color...it's time to do something. If you think that black is the only color you can wear to work or think that black is the only flattering color please think again.

A new color to your wardrobe can really change your attitude about your closet. Whether it's a nice yellow summer dress or a purple top that can be worn with many different outfits, it's a good idea.

Remember: any color can go with a neutral color. Think out of the box and try a color that you normally wouldn't wear and put it with a pair of jeans or neutral color slacks.

Quick Tip

As Stacey London from TLC's "What not to wear"puts it, "your outfit should never match it should go."

Good way to do this is pull out a hint of color from your shirt and wear something else like your shoes that have that color.

Quick Tip

Bored of the bland outfit you have ready to wear in the morning?

Throw on a colorful bracelet or funky dangling earrings. A dash of color can brighten your day but don't get too carried away. Just one or the other will do.

Boost self esteem

It's important to learn how to dress yourself according your own body shape and size. Once you accomplish this you will notice a sense of greater self esteem and feel more confident. This new confidence will serve you well in any situation whether it is meeting a new guy, going on an interview, hanging out with friends, or just feeling good about yourself. There are no exuses for not dressing the part once you learn new tricks and rules about dressing yourself. Hopefully this blog can help you all get excited about wearing clothes whether they are new or old.