Maria donned a brilliant white skirt suit thus earning the title of Chic LADY of the Day.  Besides being brave and bold in wearing all white, this suit is beautiful on her for several reasons.  The skirt hits her at the knee rendering it office appropriate and fitting for her stature. The slingback pumps offer her a lift while revealing her legs giving her added height (and showing off her year-round, genetically gifted caramel skin color).  And the jacket is nipped in at the waist accentuating her (enviable) hourglass shape.  Pair that with her flowing hair and bright smile and we’re talking Ch-Ch-Chic!

Thanks Maria!

Breana did jeans in the office in the perfectly right way.  The denim was a trouser leg in a dark wash; ultra-flattering to most shapes.  The top was a tunic-style short-sleeve knit (a nod to the incoming spring weather) that had some engaging embroidery on the top half. The empire waist added a baby-doll effect but still allowed it to be age appropriate. And, the color could be likened to watermelon; cheerful and oh-so-yummy.

But, these two pieces were elevated to chic by her fabulous pumps. Caramel-colored leather with a chocolate brown bow take these peep-toes from classic to deliciously fab. 

Thanks Breana!

I have been thinking a lot about all of the different messages a woman can send via her image (clothes, accessories, hair, and make-up) and was just recently having this conversation over the weekend.  It is possible for a woman to get in her own way by being too hot.  

I’m speaking specifically about our professional lives.  It’s possible to be too sexy at work:

You know that I believe we all should be as stylish and “of the moment” as possible. But there is a balance between stylish and over-the-line-sexy-that-could-hinder-others-taking-us-seriously.  It’s hard enough for women in this world…I do believe that we have to work just that much harder to prove our worth in business. 

A side note: I was asked once what I thought the most challenging part of being a woman was. My answer was something reminiscent of, “That I have to be tough enough without being a bitch, that I have to be attractive enough without being too hot, that I have to be smart enough without being intimidating…that I’m proving myself all day, everyday.”

I work in media/publishing and my office dress code is at the more lenient end of the continuum. I tend to err on the side of trendy in many of my clothes and my wardrobe often doubles for both in and out of work. But I know that for meetings, client presentations, interviews and situations in which I am truly representing my colleagues and my company, I will streamline myself, leave the leggings at home,  and select a more traditional style. 

I’ve noticed that casual Friday has bled into casual everyday. Again, for some lines of work, this is acceptable.  But in banking, finance, law, and other such industries with a history based on male-dominance and tradition, a woman can’t walk in with a brightly colored dress and platform heels.  It won’t fly.

I will most certainly take this into account with my clients.

What kind of business is she in?  Does she work at all? Is she a teacher where a nice pair of khakis and a sweater set would be appropriate?  Perhaps, she spends her days behind a camera and needs jeans and a blazer that aren’t restrictive but are still fitted and tailored.  Maybe she’s reviewing contracts and stands in court…this would require an appropriate colored suit and classic heels (they can still be Christian Louboutin, no one has to know!).

The bottom line is, we need to be aware that even though we may work in more lax surroudings,  presenting ourselves as professionals is the number one priority. And often times, sexy skinny jeans and form-fitting sweaters (though they may look curvalicious) aren’t always the best choice.

Soundbites to remember: Beauty doesn’t always equal appropriate.  Casual doesn’t always mean sexy.  Trendy should still be tasteful.

Just check the mirror once before you leave the house and ask yourself, “Would I wear this on a date?”  If the answer is yes, consider changing.

I came across this site this morning (due to a feature on my Lucky magazine widget); www.francescascollections.com;  that has a ton of well-priced, trendy, feminine clothes and accessories.

Being that I can smell, touch, and visualize summer (we don’t get spring here in New York, it just goes right to deadly heat), I couldn’t stop myself from obsessive browsing.

I’m dreadfully bored with my sweaters, trousers, and boots. My toes are begging for a bright pedicure. My arms are thirsty for sun. I’m ready. And, the clothes on this site have only made me more eager. 

Warning: These are ultra-girly, flirty looks.  

Some of my faves:

This piece doubles as a top and a skirt. It would look fabulous with light-colored denim or as a skirt with a white tank top or simple white v-neck T-shirt.

This dress’s color speaks for itself.  The gorgeous teal is so bright and would sing against sunkissed skin.  Imagine how fabulous a red-head would look with this color draping her decolletage. But, no matter your hair color, the rouching around the bustline will add a some much needed fullness for women with small chests.

Enjoy!

Back in the spotlight is Teresa.  This is a great example of how layers can make very simple colors interesting. The pale sage green pants act as a neutral so we’re working with a blank canvas.  On top is a tank (olive green), a white button down, and a classic style menswear inspired vest.  All of these colors are neutral which leaves the door open to bring in fun accessories.

While Teresa is typically lean on jewelry, she chose to embellish with her shoes – black and white snakeskin pumps (launching her to nearly 6′ tall!).  Some other options could have been easily added brightly colored bangel bracelets or a punchy colored kerchief tied around the neck. 

A book was brought to my attention called, “Not Quite What I was Planning”.  It’s a book filled with six-word memoirs by known and obscure writers as well as some celebs.  The challenge is to write your memoir in only six words.  That said, I came up with a ton that describe my life from probably a dozen different angles.  

I thought I’d share some descriptive ones about myself that are in fact significant in the arena of my image, my style, my body, and my life as it relates to them.

Personal or not, it’s my style.

Funky, professional, playful…run the gamut. 

Change your clothes, accomplish your goals.

You live once, please look good.

Eat too much, clothes don’t fit.

Ate too much? Wear different clothes!

Where’s my money? On wooden hangers.

Black or pink? Always choose both.

Nothing to wear? Buy something new.

Buy something new, trash something old.

Feeling down, fake it and smile.

Fashion isn’t shallow…if you’re not.

Speak volumes by not saying anything.

Life is like dress-up…play!

I invite you to contribute. If you comment and give me your own I’ll put them in my next post.  Tell me about your personal image and style and how it plays a role in your life–using only six words.

I got a question today…

“How does a 5′5″ woman with a short torso appear to be longer and leaner?”

Answer:

Create the optical illusion of a long, lean, vertical line through length and color.

Option I:

Tops should hit her between her waistband and her hip to create length where there isn’t any in reality.  If the top hits her at her waist band, she’s now created a horizontal line, cutting her body in half and thus, emphasizing her short torso. But, if the top extends further down and is a smooth, clean fabric, she’s created a longer, leaner torso.

Example:

Option II:

Further, if she wants to tuck the top into her pants, a low-rise trouser is best for this. More of the shirt will show when tucked into a low-rise pant, again, creating the longer line.

Example:

 Option III:

Wear a longer top with a wrap feature or create a waist with a belt that hits at her high-waist (just under the bust line) or with empire seaming.

Example:

Option IV:

Lastly, (and easiest of the options) is to wear the same color from top to bottom. This alleviates any interruption between the top and the bottom; it starts at her neck and ends at her feet creating one, long line. A dress or a top/pants combination is the best wait to do this.

Example:

Okay, while this is a really, truly cheesy picture taken for the sake of my friend, I wanted to share about this fabulous frock that I purchased.  The dress will be worn while I play the role of “bridesmaid” in one of my dearest friend’s weddings in Honolulu, HI this summer. 

The instructions to the “maids” were as follows:

1) Dress must be pink

2) Dress must be a style you love

3) Dress must be non-bridesmaid-looking

4) Dress must be fabulous

5) Go shop!

Well, with such loose parameters, how could I not get excited? I set out to a huge mall in NJ with my friend, Cheryl, and we went huntin’ dresses!  While in Neiman Marcus (and after making a semi-celeb sighting of a past Project Runway designer), I loaded my arms with everything pink I could find. I walked toward the fitting room with an armful of silk, cotton blends, chiffon, and more silk. As I got close to the fitting room and I saw some magenta frill peeking out from behind several inconsequential black numbers.  I flung my arm out, yanked it from the rack, and added it to my pile.  This dress, a Rebecca Taylor, was the last in the lot I tried and of course, it was the keeper.

I will wear this dress as much as I can because it makes me feel like a million bucks, it’s my favorite color (if you didn’t know already), and it’s effortless (as fashion should be).  You can’t see the be-jeweling under the bust line or the beautiful tiny silk buttons that crawl up my back, but they’re there.  And, these details make this frock to be forever referred to as, “The Dress.”  As Cheryl said, “You are HOT.”  (Thank you, Cheryl).

I just bought a new top (see my photo below…certainly modeling isn’t in my career) and wore it today only to have received compliments in the double digits. Why?

Color, (it’s in my ideal palate)

Super-sweet asymmetrical design and collar

And, because it’s a sweatshirt-that-doesn’t-look-like-a-sweatshirt.

For ladies who complain that looking good means being uncomfortable, I reply with, “Pe-shaw! No way, man!” Sometimes, looking good can be as simple as a sweatshirt (if it’s a really cool one like the one I treated myself to).

Kudos to Brooklyn Industries (one of my favorite stores) for being the perfect combination of Industrial meets Girly meets Comfy meets Hip meets Hop meets Of-the-Moment meets Work Appropriate meets Affordable. There are stores all over Brooklyn and one or two in Manhattan. And for those of you outside the city…shop online! Brooklyn Industries, oh how we love thee.

The lesson I learned in class over the weekend about clothes and fashion:  It’s an optical illusion.

Ultimately, I knew this already, but it was good to be reinforced in the notion.  Our bodies don’t change dramatically between outifts. But, the way we look can certainly evolve from one pair of jeans to another. Why? It’s all about lines, curves, and shapes and the manipulation thereof. This is the only kind of acceptable manipulation!

That said…here are some basics:

1. Lines: Create a long, vertical line to appear taller, more slender. This isn’t so that we can hide our bodies, but instead to maximize them.  A taller, sleeker more statuesque looks is flattering and appealing.  You can do this with vertical stripes (not wide, but subtle), creases down the front of your pants, no cuffs, high-heels, and monochromatic color from head to toe. 
2. Patterns:  Use them wisely. I love color, I love texture. Patterns create visual texture. They keep the eye busy and occupied. However, there is a difference between a beautiful floral and an obnoxious geometric pattern in primary colors.  Let’s not get the two confused and instead be smart about how we employ this tool.  Use a beautiful pattern up top in your best colors to draw attention up to the luminous face.  Using a thick, horizontal stripe on your lower half if you are curvy is unwise.  If you have small features, choose a smaller (but not overly busy) pattern. If you have large eyes and prominant cheekbones, feel free to experiment with larger patterns that have more space in between the shapes/colors.
3. Texture: Texture and weight of clothing comes from the fabrics.  Soft, supple silk is smooth, clean and sleek. Wool or tweed is textured, thicker and heavier.  Don’t overpower yourself with a heavy sweater, heavy pants, and heavy shoes. Instead, try balancing out textures – try heavier pants with a softer, lighter top or thin cashmere sweater or all medium weight fabrics from head to toe.  Texture should be in harmony with your body size. If you are a small, petite woman, heavier patterns can overpower you can drown in your clothes.  And if you’re a larger-structured, taller woman, dainty lace will get lost on your body. 

The goal is harmony.

 It’s not just about what we like or don’t like, what’s trendy or not trendy, what’s “hot” or not.  It’s about what works best on us. As much as we may love an item of clothing, if it isn’t in harmony with our given lines, structure, and coloring, it will look all wrong.  All wrong=bad image.  Bad image? Not on my watch.