Archive for January, 2010

How can a Wardrobe Consultant Benefit You?

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Do you struggle to get dressed in the morning, feeling that no item in your closet will make you feel polished and confident? Are you unsure of the impression that your style or clothing communicates to others, whether at work or at play?  Are you just plain sick and tired of making excuses? Beginning in your closet and then shopping at stores selected to fit your interests, I can provide an individualized plan to dressing stylishly that is true to your lifestyle and budget. You will not believe the difference it will make in your every day dressing routine. Relieve stress and get organized.

If you are a reluctant shopper, I will show you how to develop the skills you need to be savvy about your wardrobe. If, when you walk into a store, you feel instantly overwhelmed by the array of styles, cuts, and colors. I will teach you to spot the styles or cuts that will be the most flattering on you and make you feel like your best self.  Invest in your self. You’re worth it!

How to Mark an Even Hem on Pants

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

Wear  regular shoes ,not your sneakers, and stand up straight. The height of the heel or the padding on top of a sneaker will change the amount of space on the front of the foot for the pant to not crinkle and to hang freely. Work from the SIDE of the foot not the front or back. You can measure by setting the end of a ruler on the floor. It should be an even distance from the floor. Put a straight pin horizontally to the desired length. Then take off the pant and continue it around with a few more pins without twisting the pant.

Test the length by using the pin line as your hem turning line. Gently press the new hemline and try it on again to be sure making necessary adjustments as you go. Trim the excess fabric and sew it closely to the original way it was hemmed by the  manufacturer. A great tool I use for measuring a is a chalk hem marker. And if all else fails, ask a friend to mark the hem or find a good tailor. Prices vary so be sure to ask the cost so there are no surprises and try it on before you leave. You don’t want to find there’s been an error when you are ready to wear them.

General Rules for Making BIG FEET Look Smaller

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

People  who think they have big feet often ask me how to make their feet appear smaller. Usually my first response is that their feet are probably not as big as they perceive them to be. When something bothers us about the way we look, we tend to exaggerate it in our heads. Ask someone else who is not as critical and you’ll find they usually don’t agree. Never the less, being subjective, that’s what WE see.

Bear in mind that there is only 1/3 of an inch difference between whole sizes.
If you wear a size 11 shoe and you wish you wore a size 9, look at a ruler to actually see what 2/3’s looks like and you will find that it really doesn’t look like much of a difference. Remember your feet have to be in proportion to your body for them to carry you properly.

That being said, if you still think they are big here are a few good general rules you can easily apply.

First consider that some styles that make your feet look shorter can also make them look wider so for the sake of this blog, I will address length. If shoes look longer out of the box than others do, they will look the same on your feet.

High heels, (as  many of you know are my favorite), make your feet look smaller. For those who can not wear them high, opt for chunky heels or wedge style, which are easier to wear. Because there is not much variance in a mans shoe, a hint of sole around the upper part of the shoe will make the feet appear shorter.
Pointy shoes will definitely make the foot look longer but also thinner.

Avoid strappy sandals that expose too much of the foot. Peep-toe or sling back styles work best,

Darker colors will work well but don’t just stick to black, brown, or navy. Try grays, earth tones, and deeper shades of reds, blues, purples, or greens. Avoid pastels.

Bows, buckles, lace treatment, or a fringed tongue will make the feet seem smaller. Men should consider tassels or straps that cross the shoe closer to the toes.

Whether you have small or large feet, accept who you are and what makes you unique and beautiful.                                      Always Walk with Pride.

Do’s & Don’t’s of Celeb Fashions – 2010 People’s Choice Awards

Friday, January 8th, 2010

2010 People’s Choice Awards aired on CBS and was hosted by Queen Latifah.

I love the color of the Queen’s dress but she desperately needs an appointment with a  bra fitter to be properly fitted for a bra that pushes her “girls” together providing a better shape and the illusion of a smaller waistline. That bra would have made all the difference in the world. You’d think being a celebrity she ‘d know or at least hire someone who knows.

And I would have enjoyed seeing a beautiful pair of shoes rather than having her gown sweeping the floor. It would have also created more volume at the base of the dress having it flowing freely giving a better balance with her full bust line. Also, a nice size brooch on the opposite side of her hair would have looked balanced and given it a nice touch- something big yet delicate looking and with lots of stones. Can you picture it? It would just make the dress come alive. And finally, a big bracelet would have finished it nicely. It would have to be of the same style as the brooch and worn on the opposite arm.

Wow! My Diva is slipping, literally! Mariah Carey almost suffered a second awards show embarrassment when she trapped her heel in her ridiculously long designer gown. Mariah appeared to have some trouble walking to the stage last night — but this time, should she blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol (as Jamie Foxx would say) or that extremely tight dress? The diva continues to looks fabulous since her come back, but that dress- which desperately needed to have the halter straps raised to support her Golden Globes. That dress would have been a better choice if she didn’t have to move while wearing it, at all. She should have chosen a dress and a pair of shoes she could have walked in. She looks fabulous either way, so why suffer? If you need help getting on stage to accept an award because you can’t gracefully manage your dress, something is seriously wrong. Being comfortable in what you wear is essential to looking great.  Her concentration should have been on swaying her curvy sexy hips and flaunting her great smile. She looks like she is just trying too hard, a big no-no in my book. Never the less, she is still a true diva.

Carrie Underwood is not only talented and naturally beautiful but is also such a “girlie girl”, a woman after my own heart. In her very flattering strapless cream and black dress she expresses her femininity with a funky chic punch. The delicate lace over lay doesn’t over power her so you can appreciate her lovely structure. She has truly been blessed in her gracious beauty and amazing talent.

Ellen DeGeneres, about to join Fox’s “American Idol” as a judge, won the “People’s Choice” award Wednesday night for favorite talk show host. I think she is very funny and I realize she doesn’t want to appear with a hint of femininity, but really, couldn’t Portia have suggested something more appropriate for her to wear rather than jeans and a sloppy shirt and vest to such a prestigious awards dinner. Perhaps she could have gotten some fashion tips from some of the well- dressed men who attended. I wonder what she wears to a casual event. Well at least she was very comfortable and remains true to her self and that I do admire. I think her and Jackie Chan, (although I did like his message of peace), should have gotten the “fashion flop” award for the most inappropriate outfit worn to a formal event.

Jenna Elfman- The 38-year-old actress who is expecting could have entertained many other options to flatter her new figure. I wasn’t big on this one. There are so many beautiful choices in maternity styles being featured. Showing off her legs would have created a good balance with the one shoulder look. I did not like the thick hose or leggings paired with an open sandal. Also, I prefer her as a brunette. What did you think?

Ginnifer Goodwin’s fashion accessory was way out of proportion. That flower was too large and distracting which took your focus away from her beautiful face. A delicate necklace or a stunning pair of chandelier earrings would have been a better choice. She looked a little like a wacky Carrie Bradshaw. Also, I would have preferred her dress a few inches longer which would have elongated her body making her look taller and thinner. Loved the shoes.

The red carpet was full of gorgeous women in their dazzling dresses, from Nicole Scherzinger’s floor-length gold number, my favorite, to Diane Kruger’s tight white mini, although I didn’t like the black shoes with that dress, too heavy looking. Olivia Wilde stole the show in her fairytale full skirt while Sandra Bullock went nude, although I thought the shoes were too chunky for the dress, and Carrie Underwood had the best accessory of all, her engagement ring,

Many handsome men joined the fabulous women on the red carpet last night as they kicked off the night in style. Christian Slater dressed all in black while Jesse Spencer kept it casual with no tie. Kellan Lutz shimmered in his blue jacket and Taylor Lautner, my favorite, looked dashing in his suit. There is nothing more attractive than a man in a well fitting suit. They were all wonderful combos on great looking guys. Don’t you agree?

Mary J Blige arrived in a taupe asymmetrical dress before changing into a black power dress with eighties shoulder pads to perform. Remember those days? I felt she was one of the best dressed at the awards wearing that beautiful dress that complimented her figure so well. The length and color were great for her body style as well as her accessories, (too bad the tribal band tattoo spoiled it for me a tad). She is one very classy and sexy lady even without showing cleavage. The rousing on the side of her dress was a great way to camouflage a bit and add great curves to her hourglass figure.

Okay, let’s talk about is Hayley Williams. From the back she looked fabulous. The lines on the back of her dress worked well for her figure and her legs and shoes are dynamite. But the front of the dress, with all those big bows, left a lot to be desired. She looked like a present to pretty to unwrap. I especially did not care for the fullness of the skirt, made her look to round around the hips. Her fiery red hair and lips were screaming, “look at me, I’m the new Cindi Lauper”. She definitely embraced her punk-rock spirit in this vintage-inspired black dress. And, she didn’t need a necklace. There was already a lot going on.

And finally Sophia Vergara looked stunning in her charcoal gown. It was a perfect choice for her figure. The bust line fit very well and the chunky jewelry balanced her full breasts and long hair. You could just tell she felt beautiful by her comfortable pose and soft smile. She stepped on to the red carpet wearing a Bodycon dress from a recent collection, it was one of the first major red carpet moments for the burgeoning brand.
Sofia paired the minimal, sexy dress with a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, vintage jewelry, and a vintage clutch. She also joked that she was vintage, too – but even if that were true, she doesn’t look it. Not in that dress, no way.

Hope you enjoyed my comments. Let me know what you think and if you agree?