Articles

Cozy Fall Sweaters This fall, whether you choose to cozy up with with a cowl neck sweater from Victoria Secret, a chunky bright colored sweater from Mango, or look casually chic with a self-tie cashmere cardigan from Pringle of Scotland, there are so many options out there that a girl's bound to get confused. These three styles can be worn with skinny or wide leg jean/trousers. Just be sure it flatters your figure. Call me to find out what body shape you fall under and how to wear your clothes right!   How Do I Know When It's Time To Let Go? If you haven't worn it within a 6 months, if when you try it on it's too baggy or tight if the cut/style is outdated if it looks worn or stained if the color is unflattering for your skin tone (instead of looking at the color itself, look at the warm or cool undertones of the color)  Remember, if you can't part with something, store it away out of sight and revisit it in 3 months. This process includes shoes and accessories. Be ruthless. You can donate these items to charities like Dress For Success Seattle or take them to a consignment shop.  Contact me for a consignment shop near you. Fabulous Fall Boots   Scroll down to see more of my favorite picks for Stylish Comfort shoes! How to Pair Trends with Basics from H&M When you invest in high quality basics, you can buy cheaper trendy items to keep your look current without splurging on items that may be out of style next season. Visit H&M's dressing room where you can dress yourself in everything from bras to boots. Very Sims. What are my picks from H&M?  Long leather or cashmere gloves worn with a cropped jacket.  Or this fabulous funnel neck coat. Why Give Your Wardrobe a Seasonal Overhaul? Organizing reduces stress by giving you better control of your time and space. No more searching! Placing your clothes where they are visible and readily accessible makes matching up new outfits fun and easy. Help others in need by donating unwanted clothes. Knowing what you have will help you make a list of what you need. No more impulse shopping! Putting accessories like jewelry, belts, scarves, headbands, and shoes in plain view will help you coordinate and be creative with your wardrobe.  Save time and money with Closet Fly. See Wardrobe Services for details and prices. Full Length Mirror It's not always pleasant looking into it, but it's the next best thing to watching a candid video recording of yourself and seeing what you really look like from behind.  If that has too much shock value for you, than a full length mirror may be your best investment for a wake up call to your self-image.  In my profession, the full length mirror is my best teaching tool. The goal is to see your body clearly from head to toe and to see how clothes can positively or negatively change the shape of your body.  This is an education. It takes practice.  Looking at yourself at any depth can be difficult, but after you've accepted yourself for where you're at right now, you can start having fun and getting creative with clothes and accessories.  I usually stand behind my clients while they are looking in the mirror to show them the difference between a long hemline and a shorter one, how sleeve length can polish up or dress down an outfit, or how a fitted jacket can be more slimming than a boxy style. Many of you already know these 'rules,' but seeing the results on your body in a full length mirror is much more compelling than any words or advice could ever be.  Especially when it is done with clothes from your own wardrobe. Assuming that you try on clothing before you buy them, this process helps train your eye so that the next time you venture into a store's fitting room with the cutest top, you will know immediately how it should fit and you will not settle for anything less than a perfect fit for your body type.  You will also know what can and can't be fixed with alterations. No second guessing, no impulse buys, no clothes hanging in your closet with the tags still attached, no outdated styles distracting you from what you should be wearing.  What you will have is a simple, clear stylish wardrobe that works for your body and lifestyle. Want to make an appointment? Call or email me today! Caring For Your Clothes Always read the label. Especially, before your buy. If the label says "Dry Clean Only", then it you must take it to dry cleaning. If it simply says "Dry Clean" then you may be able to wash it on a gentle cycle and lay flat or hang dry. Always follow the care instructions on the label, for example if it says wash cold with like colors, do not throw a white shirt in with your whites on hot or warm. In general, always hang dry items that you want to last longer, such as your premium denim, undergarments, delicate tops, and nice pants. Always fasten the hooks on your bra and place your undergarments in a lingerie bag and wash cold on gentle cycle with mild detergent, such as Woolite, and hang dry. Look at fabric content for quality and fit.  A light weight wool or wool blend is a great high quality choice for a year round fabric for pants. A light weight cashmere sweater is also a great year round basic for your wardrobe. Even though you may spend a bit more time on caring for these items, it will be worth your time since they will last longer and be more versitle in your wardrobe. Rayon, Acetate, and Acrylic fabrics tend to pill after washing and drying. Polyester/spandex/rayon blends are good for everyday slacks, but hang them dry to lengthen their life. Know that a fabric with a high cotton percentage will tend to shrink a bit so allow room for that when getting your jeans or pants hemmed. Some fabrics will also stretch out as your wear them, so look for a spandex woven blend to hold its shape and drape nicely on your body.              What To Wear When Expecting   It could be your first. It could be your third. Or, in my cousin's case, it's both...she's having triplets.  Well, the fact is, you still have to get dressed each day, even when you are pregnant. There are only so many weeks you can get away with wearing your friend's hand-me-down maternity clothes, or your stretchy sweat pants.  So here are a few suggestions on where to find some great maternity clothes for every stage of your pregnancy (even the unknown state of post-pregnancy.) MySeattleBaby Gap Maternity Ann Taylor Loft Maternity Hush Baby The Little Black Dress Edressme  Anatomy of The Little Black Dress Comfort Brand Shoes  Yes, it is possible.Here are a few brands that are worth the investment because they will last, especially for those of you on your feet all day.   Ask me where to find these in all different colors!  Ecco The Manilla patent peep toe (shown left) is one of my favorites. The casual red Bouillon flat adds a pop of color to your outfit. While the Bristol grey bootie has a chic neutral style that can be worn many different ways.   Sofft   The Gabriela (pictured below) is a great patent shoe with a three inch stacked heel that comes in black, burgundy, red, and pewter.  Just what you need for fall and available at Macy's. The Gayle is a beautiful suede peep toe pump with patent trim available at Nordstrom. Don't forget about boots!  The Tyla is gorgeous, has an elegant heel, slightly pointed toe, and roomy in the calf. Try it in black or dark brown leather, or black or caramel suede. The flat and slingback pictured to the right are a great neutral to carry you through the seasons.  Dansko  For those of you who have serious foot issues, you may know Danskos well. But you may not know that they've come out with a few more feminine styles lately. The Remy (pictured here) is a great pump for those on their feet all day, but still want a classic pump with a substantial heel.  The Rue is a great slingback pump that comes in some fun colors and are great with skirts. Try the Raphael in a variety of colors that go well with trousers. Or check out their boots!  Find retailers online.  Mephisto Most of these shoes are good for trousers and are walking shoes.  The Bab (shown above), Tamila, and Ramin are my recommendations for a city shoe.  In the leisure section, the Barty, Baska (shown below), and Debora are great alternatives to bulky gym shoes and are fun and stylish. For sandals try the Kunni or Ularia in the Mobil section. Bellevue has a store or you can find a small selection at Nordstrom or The Walking Company.