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WEDDING PLANNING

Sorry that I’ve been M.I.A. for a while but I’m busy planning my wedding in Tennessee from Iowa
(not recommended), coordinating a move to Memphis, and finding a J.O.B.  But don’t fret, I will be back shortly to give you more of my opinions on the self-centered, self-absorbed, but absolutely FABULOUS world of Fashion!!!.  ttyl!

Holiday Fashion 101

 

Some trends like sequin, fur (faux of course), metallics, and glitter are popular every season and this one is no different. However, there are new trends like menswear inspired suits and monochromatic color schemes that are gaining popularity this year.

For your best gal pal’s shin dig:

This is the time to glam it up, be creative, and have fun. Wear a sexy strapless cocktail dress in an eye catching metallic with black tights.  Choose a funky, chunky necklace as a statement piece.

OR…

Wear a flowy skirt or black pants with a fabulous sequin top, strappy shoes, and clutch.

For the Office Party:

Try a fabulously fitted menswear inspired suit with a jewel toned tank underneath and silk scarf.

OR…

Choose a monochromatic color scheme…An icy blue blouse with a navy skirt (in velvet), navy tights, and black accessories is oh so cool and chic.

For the family gathering:

Try a black chiffon mini with black tights and booties.  Wear with a fitted sequin or metallic jacket and you will turn heads.

OR….

A cotton long sleeve tee under a fur vest and belt, paired with leggings and booties is trendy without being too much.

Don’t forget the little ones!

Girls love to shine just like their mothers and the fashion industry has created special holiday fashion just for them. Beautiful dresses in rich reds and greens are adorned with Christmas florals outlined in glitter, and will make every princess sparkle. Letting her choose her hair bows, jewelry, and other accessories will not only spark creativity but also make her feel extra special.

I Am Woman Newsletter

Please check out and subscribe to this monthly newsletter.  Yours Truly is a contributor! :)

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/I-Am-Woman-Newsletter—Holiday-Edition.html?soid=1104089400221&aid=alphZrRybGY

Logos…a no no?

So, I would just like to give my reasons on why being a slave to and wearing logos is a no no.

1) You’re not getting paid are you? Fashion companies have found a way to advertise for free; you. Create a brand and make people think that wearing it makes you smarter, prettier, even richer; and convince them that now they must be covered in the brand’s logo so that others will think the same.  I gotta admit….its pretty smart.

2) Most people who are splattered with logos have a need to be seen and accepted.  If you are comfy in your own skin, who cares what shirt you are wearing or what…umm purse you are carrying. (yeah, I said it!)

3) Do you really want your butt to be looked at as Juicy???????

The point is, true fashionistas are confident and can make anything look good.  They are not concerned with how many people they can impress because of what is printed on their shirt. Merry Christmas!

Petite Tips

One question that I was asked today was, “What are some fashion tips for petite women?”

Here Goes:

Don’ts:

Horizontal stripes- they “cut” the body and make you look shorter than you are….women who “have a little more to love” should especially avoid horizontal stripes because you will appear heavier.

Flare leg: Pants that are tight on the top and flare at the bottom just make you look stumpy and that’s the last thing that petite women need.  Also, flares are more suited for our younger fashionistas so when you are trying to put a workable, mature wardrobe together; stay away from the flare.

Bright Tops and Dark Bottoms: The most important thing that you want to do if you are petite is to elongate your body.  Wearing the same color on top and bottom creates a lean, cohesive line on the body.  Does this mean that you are doomed to wearing one color all of your life???  No, however the colors that you wear on top must be the same depth…black pant with a deep purple sweater, or a black pant and a bright-colored camisole under a black sweater.  See, you can still wear your bright colors as long as the “line” of the body is established first.

Big prints:  Prints that are too big do nothing but overpower petite women. Opt for all-over prints that are smaller in size.

DOs:

Same color on top and bottom: See above “Bright Tops and Dark Bottoms.” Oh, I forgot to mention that deeper shades like black, brown, or navy should be used.  A bright yellow top and bottom just won’t work.

Pant leg should be slim cut:  This creates a long line on the body, automatically making you look taller. Use this tip especially when buying jeans…..SKINNY JEANS ARE A MUST!!!!! 

Jeans should be dark denim and low waisted:  It is more grown up, and the deep color adds length. The low waist will also elongate the torso.

Wear vertical lines:  Vertical lines, like pleats, will also give the illusion of length.

Heels are your best friend:  Obviously, they add height. 

Flats:  If flats are worn with a skirt, then the skirt should hit right at or a little below the knee.  With pants, the bottom of pant should fall just across the toe (that goes for wearing pants with heels also).

Final Tidbit:  In order to not look like you are younger than you actually are, purchase classic pieces that will last a long time.  Trendy pieces are usually targeted at a younger shopper and too many trends look tacky and juvenile.  Hope this helps!! Keep the Questions Coming!!!

Date Night Attire

I was recently asked by a friend on what was appropriate to wear on a first date. 

Here are my tips:

Casual dinner/drinks/movie:  Wear a pair of dark denim skinny jeans, a camisole with silk or lace detailing, blazer, and stiletto heels or booties.  The skinny jeans will show off your nice curves without being too much and the cami/blazer combo shows that you are feminine and fashionable.  The color of the cami should be in a color that complements your skin tone but is also a color that attracts.  Red is an attraction color but can be forceful so I recommend a shade of red like pink or rose.  These colors are calming and soft.

Forever 21 Blazer

Cami

 

Fancy dinner/theatre:  You can’t go wrong with the LBD (little black dress).  You want it to flatter, not flaunt, so go for a sleek style like a sheath dress that hits right below the knee.  To show a little skin, you can opt for halter or strapless dress.  (A word to my broad-shouldered sisters….stay away from halters as they can make you look like a quarterback…not cute).  A soft silk or chiffon wrap will add to the sophistication of the dress while adding a little coverage and warmth.

Black Sheath Dress

I LOVE FASHION QUESTIONS!!!! Keep them coming!  You can comment on here or on my FB page. :)

Kid’s Fashion Show

http://daytimetricities.com/tri/shopping/article/kids_fashion_by_talena/49961

New Posts coming this Week

I’ve been really busy with work  BUT I have new posts coming this week.  Stay tuned!!!

The Stylish Traveler

I fly very often for my job and have been in several airports.  Sometimes, though not often, I will get delayed and get to partake in one of my favorite pastimes; people watching.

Because I am a fashion guru, I immediately look at what people are wearing and have come to two conclusions.  Either they are overdressed to the point where they are uncomfortable, or they just don’t give a care what they look like. 

We will start with my overdressed friends.  I understand that alot of women are one or two day travelers and may be flying to a city where they have to immediately get off the plane and go to a meeting.  In this case, I am not really talking about the outfit but the shoes.  Many of these women are trucking through airports in 4 inch heels….ouch!! It is almost comical to watch because any fashionista can tell when a sister fashionista is in total agony all for the sake of looking cute.  Believe me, you don’t want to find yourself wearing heels on one side of  the Atlanta airport with only 15 minutes to catch a plane on the other side of the airport…I’ve been there.  So, what is the remedy.  Always carry a pair of comfy flats in your purse or carry on.  I am personally loving the Fast Flats by Dr. Scholl’s.

Fast Flats by Dr. Scholl's

For our other friends who look like they have just rolled out of bed in their sweat pants and UGG boots, let me just say one thing.  I don’t expect you to look like you are on your way to the Oscar’s at 6am but a little effort in your dress wouldn’t hurt.  A sweater, jeans, flats, ponytail, and a little lipgloss doesn’t take much effort but looks nice and put together.   Leave the sweats at home.  Happy Travels!!! :)

Fashion Time Warp

We’ve all seen them, the middle-aged man or woman who is in serious denial that they are getting older and refuse to come out of the fashion time warp of yesteryear.  Perhaps, they are someone we work with or maybe they are in our own family.  Whatever, the case may be I’m here to help you to not become a victim of past fashion trends so that you won’t end up looking like this guy. 

Fashion Disaster

First of all, we all want to look fashionable and “with the times”.  However, all fashion isn’t for all people. Our wardrobes should evolve and we shouldn’t still own things that we wore in college when we turn 50, even if it still fits.  So how can you incorporate stylish even trendy items into your wardrobe without looking like you’ve tried too hard?  The answer is simple;  incorporate one or two trendy pieces into your ensemble.  For example, a ruffled blouse in this season’s color will make any boring suit pop.  Ladies also try going for a trendy piece of jewelry or handbag as an accent piece.  Stores like Express are known for their bold, statement making accessories that are sure to add interest to any outfit.  The moral of the story is that incorporating a piece here and there will add to your wardrobe while letting you remain stylish yet age appropriate.   This piece of advice is not just true for older women but for Fashionalities who want to experiment with other Fashionalities…(See “Fashionality Types” under the pages section on the right)

The same is true for men.  I once saw a guy in a FUBU sweatsuit, with the jacket halfway unzipped to expose his chest, and gold chains……and he was WELL over 50.   Not so cute.  Gentlemen, there are ways to still look hip without getting stuck in a time warp.  Many of today’s urban wear companies like Phat Farm and Sean John cater to the older man…and very well I might add ;) .  The key for you is the fit of the clothing.  It should not be too tight but your sagging days are over as well.  A buttoned down shirt with a corduroy blazer and nice dark denim jeans….looks very good on you.  Think Russell Simmons.

The key is that we all need to accept that we are getting older and with that we need to accept that our clothing needs to grow with us.  This is not the 1940s where clothing for older men and women was frumpy and unflattering.  No, today’s older generation has more options that are not only flattering but fashion forward and age appropriate.  Happy Fall!!! :)

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