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Archive for the ‘accessories’ Category
10 Fashion Trends You’ll Love for Spring 2011
Thursday, February 3rd, 2011
According to fashion week, there are ten fashion trends that we are going to love this Spring. As styles tend to repeat themselves about every 20 years, you can probably look in your closet to find some of these 70′s inspired looks.
1. THE RETURN OF THE WIDE LEG PANT
For some of us the wide leg pant is a must to create balance and proportion and should never go out out style. It’s more important to wear what works for your body style rather than what’s in style. You can always add the accessories or color of the season to update your look.
If you tend to have your volume at the base, the wider leg will be more flattering than last seasons skinny jeans. If you tend to have fullness at your shoulder and bust line, this pant will do wonders in creating the illusion of an hour glass figure. The key is to balance the width of the pant with the right top and heels.
What shoes to Wear. Wear a heel unless you are very tall, then you can get away with flats. Oxfords, mary janes and shoe boots are the newest looks. Wide trousers look great when the tip of the shoe peeps out.
2. THE RE-RETURN OF THE HIGH-WAIST PANT
This is a great pant to help tuck you in and eliminate the very unattractive “muffin top”. It will also help to accent a small waist. Tuck your shirt into high-rise pants to elongate your legs and give the appearance of a longer waist line. Be careful with pockets. Side pockets will add volume to a fuller hips.
3. MILITARY LOOK
Although fashion repeats itself, the designers always add a new twist to give you a reason to buy new. This Spring’s military look is more futuristic with straps and harnesses for a more abstract look. Adding white will keep it light and delicate looking.
4. ORANGE ZEST
A fresh slice of citrus. Bold orange, rich mango or pumpkin, will take the place of the corals this Spring. Always best worn with white but if you can’t wear white on the bottom, khaki, brown or navy can be an alternative to black. Black and orange remind me too much of Halloween.
5. LONGER SKIRTS AND DRESSES
Easily worn by all sizes and ages, longer skirts and dresses are paving the runways. Unless you are wearing one that skims the floor, choose a length that flatters you. Think curvy. Find the point between your ankle and your mid calf that best shows off your legs. If the skirt is too long, it will tend to make skinny ankles look even thinner and wider ankles look wider. If you are petite, lengths worn too long will tend to make you look shorter.
6. PAJAMA PANT
Please don’t mistake this pant for something you would wear to bed, like the ones with the little clouds on them. Think slouchy, comfortable, unconstructed, but still glamorous. Pair them with a more fitted or shorter top and add volume and style by using chunky accessories.
7. HALTER NECK LINES
Halter necks with necklace-like cinching are feminine and fabulous. Picture yourself on vacation in the south of Spain or the Caribbean. You’ll see this look on short dresses but it looks sensational on longer relaxed dresses. Sheer soft fabrics look awesome with this neckline. Great for reducing a fuller shoulder line.
8. NEUTRALS
No stranger to warm summer days, neutrals simplify palettes and give a soft clean look. Structured styles in sand, camel, ivory with a hint of black look classic with an added twist. Great with gold sandals even for day time.
9. CHARTREUSE
A pale green or yellow like the liqueur made from brandy which was discovered in France. This color is not very flattering on many but does look great if you are tan. You don’t need a lot of it but just a hint introduced as a color blend or an accessory, which will look chic.
10. DOLMAN SLEEVES
The classic dolman sleeve is back. This sleeve with a large armhole and tight cuff is seen on fuller, boxier, shorter cut tops. These fuller silhouettes help balance and offset a fuller bottom or can create a long leggy look with a narrower pant. But this style will not flatter a fuller shoulder or bust line. Also, if you have rounded shoulders, add a slight shoulder pad for better balance. From surf hoodies to evening wear, dolman sleeves are comfortable and stylish.
Tags: 2011 Fashions, halter, high-waist pant, military look, neutrals, pajama pant, tops, wide leg trousers
Posted in 70's, accessories, Body Styles, General | No Comments »
What is Appropriate To Wear To a Funeral?
Monday, November 1st, 2010
Dear Tonia, After attending several funerals in the past few months and seeing everything from suits to blue jeans to “sexy” club wear, I was appalled and felt compelled to write. I just can’t believe how people dress today! It’s so disrespectful not to dress properly. So please tell your readers what is appropriate to wear to a funeral, maybe some just don’t know better.
Catherine, Poughkeepsie, NY
Funerals are respectful occasions, and part of being respectful is dressing appropriately. Dressing appropriately for the service is important because it shows respect for the deceased and for the other loved ones attending the service. Age and position in the family should dictate a higher degree of dress.
Wearing strictly black no longer applies unless you are a family member. Traditional colors like navy, purple, gray, and earth tones, work well.
Although a person’s death should be grieved, it is appropriate to celebrate the person’s life with a subdued color. It is also nice to wear what the person who passed would have liked to see us in.
Denim and athletic wear may be comfortable or appropriate for casual activities but should never be worn to a wake or a funeral. Shorts or sandals are never acceptable. Wear what is tasteful and conservative.
A sexy dress, even in black is not appropriate. The most important thing women should remember when dressing is not to wear anything too tight or low-cut. Not only is it disrespectful, but you also look trashy. You want to be remembered as being supportive to the family not for what you wore.
The rule for skirts and dresses is knee length or longer. Think basic simple pencil skirt, trouser, or a suit like you were going on an interview for a job. It is acceptable to wear dress pants with a nice top although wearing a jacket will pull the outfit together. Your shoulders should be covered for some churches.
Keep your jewelry and accessories simple, traditional, and to a minimum. Your shoes should be in a subdued or dark color and not show your toes. Keep make up understated.
Men should wear a sport coat or a dark suit paired with a white or subdued color shirt and a solid color tie or a conservative pattern. Your socks should match the color of your pants and your belt should match your shoes. Your shoes should be polished.
No matter what creed or culture you follow, a funeral is a somber occasion that demands a certain level of conservative dress. At the end of the day, your being there is all that really counts, as I learned. More importantly, this is no time for people to be judgmental. But for your own peace of mind, it’s nice to not have to think about it, know you’re ready to go, and that you can devote your energies to grieving — or celebrating — a life.
Tags: Appropriate Dress, Club Wear, Funeral Attire, Sexy Black
Posted in accessories, Dear Tonia, General, Makeup, Making a Good Impression, Tips for Men | No Comments »
Find Upcoming Fall 2010 Styles Right in Your Own Closet
Monday, August 16th, 2010
Dear Tonia,
I know that fashion repeats itself every ten or twenty years. Over the years I have pretty much stayed the same size and bought good quality clothing. I kept my favorite pieces in hopes of using them again some day. I was wondering what will be in style for the fall and if I can dig out some of my old favorites and still be in style. I am in the business world and very fashion conscious but also on a tight budget right now and don’t like shopping in consignment stores.
Thanks, Beth- New York City
*****
You Can Find Upcoming Fall 2010 Styles Right in Your Own Closet.
Dig out your old vests. This fall you can rest your jackets and layer with vests. Fur, menswear, velvet, sweater: whatever you like, are all good choices. Be sure they are in the correct length for your body or it will make you look boxy. If you are busty, opt for a longer length to elongate your torso, in a textured fabric without embellishment. You can let your shirts or tops hang past the vest but not past your back side, especially if your fullness is at the bottom. Remember to show off the quarter moons for the best look.
Longer skirts are back as well. Be sure they are the right length to flatter your legs. If the skirt is too long and you are petite, it will make you look shorter. Also, when it is too long and you have a very thin ankle, it will look like a chicken leg sticking out. If your ankle is thicker, it will look like a tree stump. Think curvy and use your calf as your guide.
Your skirt, dress, or capri, should hit mid calf or a little longer. The key is to show the difference between the wide part of your calf and the narrow part of your ankle and that will be the correct length for you. Compare the lengths and you will easily see the difference. Go shorter with a kitten heel (also in style) or a flat shoe or boot.
Ankle boots are back and look great with any length skirt or dress. Use with colored or textured hose.
Gray is the color for Fall 2010, everything from soft dove grays to bright silver. It mixes great with other neutrals like camel or black. If you can’t do the all-gray look, you can work it with color pops of yellow, pink, light blue, burgundy and purple as well. Worn in various textures and tones, together it looks stylish and very sophisticated. If gray doesn’t work for you then just use the color as an accessory in belts, shoes, or handbags.
Thin belts are in, wide ones are out. Use a skinny belt to cinch-in a chunky cable knit sweater and define your waist.
Fur features heavily in everything from skirts to coats, hats and handbags and boots are no exception.
Tags: Boots, Fall 2010, fur, Gray, handbags, Kitten Heels, Skirts, Vests
Posted in accessories, Dear Tonia, General, Hand Bags, Shoes & Boots | No Comments »
Organize Your Closet
Saturday, May 8th, 2010
A little organizing and a little planning will help to reduce stress and allow you more time for the things you enjoy doing.
Eliminate the clothes in your closet you haven’t worn in years or are ill-fitting. If it’s stained, frayed, has lost it’s color or shape, get rid of it. Discard anything that is not comfortable to wear, including shoes that are badly scuffed.
Have a well lit closet. Double bar on one side to create more space.
Put accessories in clearly marked containers so you can see what you have. Get rid of belts that don’t fit or mangled or outdated scarves.
Fold knits and tank tops and jeans.
Remove all dry cleaning bags and wire hangers. Face clothing going all one way.
Put all tops together, skirts,and pants by length order.
Every piece should be considered a single unit. Separate suits and keep jackets together. Wear them with jeans.
Decide what you are going to wear the night before if you have to get up early or have a lot to do before you leave your house.
Once you organize it will only take a few minutes to ready yourself for the day even if you are only running to the bus stop or the post office. You are out the minute you leave your house. Make the effort.
Even if you are not in a good mood, make the effort to look good. You will be surprised how quickly your mood will change when someone compliments you.
Stop wearing so much black and add life with color to you wardrobe.
Empty out the closet floor. It will look and feel more organized. What is all that stuff anyway? Oh the treasures you will find.
Tags: accessories, Closet, Eliminate, organize
Posted in accessories, General, Organize Your Closet | No Comments »
Easy Tips on Dressing for Success
Saturday, May 8th, 2010
There’s a lot of competition out there today and that’s why it is important to look professional while projecting confidence. Confidence plays an important role in succeeding. Looking the part makes a lasting impression. Maybe it’s unjust to judge a book by its cover, but we all do.
Here are are few easy tips to help you look professional and feel more confident.
Generally it is a good idea to wear something simple that is neat and clean.
Be sure it doesn’t need pressing. Don’t sacrifice style for comfort but add your own flair. Don’t wear clothing that is too big or too small.
Keep accessories in proportion to your body size. Don’t use more than 3 accessories or less than one.
Develop your own personal style but don’t over do it. I know a woman who wears a different brooch everyday. People remember her because she branded herself with an identifying mark. I also know a gentleman who wears different colored eye glasses each day to match what he is wearing. Don’t use tasteless identifying marks that offend or make others laugh.
Observe the way others dress in your work place and express your own signature style. Mix and match your suits tying in two colors with an accessory like a scarf, tie, or necklace. Make a statement with color combination’s.
Closed toe shoes work best. The heal shouldn’t be more than three inches high. Spikes, wedges, or flip flops, are inappropriate.
Keep your make up simple. Be as natural as possible and you will be recognized as having class and style. Don’t look like you are trying to hard. It’s usually a sign of over compensating in one area to make up what’s lacking in another.
Don’t carry an over sized hand bag even if it is in style. Have an organized med sized bag so you can find things easily.
Keep nail polish in a neutral color with no designs. They shouldn’t be excessively long or chewed down. A man’s nails should be kept sort and clean.
Don’t wear accessories that make noise like bangle bracelets or that are too big like over sized hoop earrings.
Not more that one inch of cleavage. More is too distracting.
Walk, sit, and speak with your shoulders back. Slouching makes you look insecure.
Put a smile on your face and don’t forget how terrific you are. Remind yourself every day. Find something you like about yourself and get into the habit of complimenting yourself.
Tags: Look Professional, Polish, Project Confdence, Style, Success
Posted in accessories, Dress for Success, General, Hand Bags, Making a Good Impression | No Comments »
Don’t Get Stuck in a Fashion Rut
Wednesday, May 5th, 2010
As we age, we get too comfortable wearing our old standbys. All it takes it a little tweaking with basic styles you already own to look and feel fantastic. No need to make any radical changes. Remember what makes you look beautiful is being comfortable in your own skin and owning your own individual style.
Shop at a different store than you typically frequent. Try on styles from new vendors you haven’t used before. Ask a sales person who is dressed well whats hot.
Check out the fashion magazines to see what’s new and add the color of the season. This season corals of different shades are in style. They can easily be paired with brown or khaki and white looks fabulous.
Accessorize with a punchy necklace or earrings. Don’t forget to add a belt to define your waist.
Purchase a new handbag in a fun color and texture and get some new sexy sandals.
Speak to your stylist and try a new do. You’ll look and feel 10 years younger.
Tags: A New Hair Do, accessorize, Fashion Rut
Posted in accessories, General, Hand Bags, Shopping, The New You | No Comments »
What’s “In” for Spring 2010
Monday, April 5th, 2010
Denim is back in a big way in jackets, dresses, shirts, rompers, and shoes, mixed with neutrals, whites, and brights. Pair with wood or turquoise accessories.
Cage shoes (updated gladiator- casual or dress, flat, or high heel), wedges, and ankle boots (with leggings & shorter skirts) are really making a statement this Spring so be sure not to wear your pants too long and show them off.
Coral, soft oranges, or peach, depending on what works for your skin, paired with neutrals and whites, blues, and gold and silver metallic.
Army jackets, military looks, camp shirts, fitted (for a more feminine look) a trend that will work for many women. Khakis and olive green look fresh but if these are not colors that suit you, keep them at the bottom away from your face.
Shirt dresses in soft fabric or military styles looks great on the working girl in a knee length or shorter for any figure.
Bermudas, walking shorts, that hit around the knee.
New leggings in crazy prints and fresh fabrics as opposed to just plain black, provided you have thinner thighs. Acid wash, tie dye, khaki, zip ankle details, and don’t forget denim leggings.
Mixed & matched plaids can be formal or sporty depending on the print, fabric, and scale. Be careful as it usually doesn’t work so play it safe with a neutral top or pick out a color in the plaid as an accent.
Very wide legged pant suits, with short jackets or slim tops (not a good combo for bottom heavy figures).
Fringe and tassels on handbags add a western, hobo feel, especially when paired with denim,
Tags: Anke Boots, Army Jackets, Bermuda, Cage shoes, Coral, denim, Fringe, Leggings, Military, Plaids, Shirt Dress, Tassels, Wedges, Wide Leg
Posted in accessories, Dresses, General, Hand Bags, Shoes & Boots, Spring 2010, Tops and Sweaters | No Comments »
For Women Over Seventy
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
Mature women want to look as fashionable as the younger women. The challenge is finding wearable updated clothing to fit your life style, budget,and figure. Modifying today’s fashions will keep you looking current when you follow simple guide lines keeping everything in proportion to your size.
Handbags are one of the give aways to your age. Discard pocket books that are flattened, stained, cracked, or have multiple compartments. Condense. You don’t need to carry a lot for one day’s outing. Choose shoulder bags in bright colors and textures with different shapes.
Shoes should be updated selecting colors with texture and some stretch. Don’t sacrifice style for comfort. If you have to wear corrective shoes, keep the eyes up with your elegant outfits and fun accessories and your fabulous smile.
Dressing sexy doesn’t mean you have to show off too much of your body. You don’t want to look like you are trying too hard. Bring out your sensuality wearing rich fabrics like silk, cashmere fur, or leather.
Choose strong vivid colors like elegant reds, plums and wines. Chocolate browns, deep navy and rich champagnes look luxurious. Fabrics with gold or silver threads running through it add shine and subtle glitz. Stay away from beige, taupe, army green or pale pastels unless paired with vivid colored blazers or accessories. Wear cabled cardigans with flat knit tops nit the matching tank. Be comfortable but stay away from baggy clothing. Dresses are great as you never have to concern yourself with what goes with them except accessories and a great pair of shoes.
Accessories are important to dazzle any outfit and should be used differently that how you originally wore them. Use multiple strands of pearls of different sizes and lengths mixing them with gold chains. You can also wear them as belts. If the pearls are costume, be sure they haven’t yellowed. Apply brooches on hats and scarves and use them to pinch together a neckline. Use clip earrings on the straps close to the bust line.
For rounded or sloped shoulders, add shoulder pads too square off your frame and appear upright. Use them with your everyday outfits not just for special occasions.
Be sure to wear a good bra that fits properly. Consider padding and adjust straps for a great lift. Buy pretty colors, patterns and lace in bras and panties. Even if no one sees them, you will feel sexy, youthful, more feminine and it will show on your face.
Don’t over due your make up. You are beautiful naturally and your laugh lines and wrinkles display your wisdom. Highlight your lips with brighter shades of lipstick or your eyes with mascara. Use a lip liner to avoid lipstick bleeding but don’t over extend your natural lip lines. Re-apply lipstick after lunch. Fill in patchy eye brows with a powdered brow or eye shadow applying with a slanted thin brush. A dark stick pencil looks too severe. Contour the shape. Too straight across will appear angry, too rounded looks clowny.
Update your hair do with a chic salon style that is manageable, staying away from small curlers and perms. Add color to washed out locks and shine to beautiful gray hair. Be sure to brush the back or crown eliminating the natural parting or flattening of hair.
Invite compliments by putting effort into looking and feeing stunning everyday. Think young and be unpredictable. It will do wonders to distract you from aches and pains. Celebrate everyday as Your special day.
Tags: accessories, compliments, handbags, Make Up, Mature Women, Modify Fashion, Rounded Shoulders, Sexy Dressing, shoes, Tips Over 60
Posted in 70's, 80's, accessories, General, Hand Bags, Over Sixty, People's Choice Awards, The New You | No Comments »
Prom Dress Shopping Doesn’t Have to Be Stressful
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010
To give you an idea of what the trend is today, follow the stars. Typically the manufacturers are showing what the celebrities are strutting on the red carpet or the award ceremonies, following the stylish stars as well as the couture industry.
The most important factor is to keep your figure and personal style in mind. Although certain styles will work for everyone, your body plays a crucial role in choosing the perfect dress that flatters your figure. Accent your favorite body part and flaunt your looks. Remember you can look fabulous without revealing so much. Too much of anything is no good and you want to look classy not trashy. Less is always more.
Style. A fitted dress will show off an hour glass figure. A cocktail dress, a few inches above or below the knee, will feature your great legs. A ball gown skirt will camouflage your back side, large or small. Always create balance so your top and bottom appear to be in proportion.
If you tend to be on the sophisticated side, look for a simple black column dress or an elegant cocktail length with simple accessories to highlight your face. If preppy is more you, look for a bold black and white using a pop of color in your shoes and handbag. If you like looking different or showy, don’t go over board. You may want to stand out but be sure it’s in a good way. If you are going for short or a high split stay away from cleavage. Think modest, it’s a school prom not a Vegas show.
Accessories. A very intricate style calls for minimal accessories. Keep your shoes and handbag simple. To make a bold statement play up the eyes or lips to add drama and couple it with sheer make up. Be sure you are able to walk in the shoes you select. If you are not used to wearing heels choose a lower heel or practice walking in a higher heel. You want to be able to walk with poise and confidence. That’s the secret to looking beautiful.
Color is another important factor. Pale colors will wash out ivory skin but the deeper shades of pink, peach, or lilac are great for light completions. Usually black works for any skin tone. Jewel tones work best for darker skin tones. If you want to be daring with color, keep the style simple.
Determine your budget. More expensive is not necessarily the answer to looking great. You don’t have to break the bank for a fabulous style nor do you have to sacrifice style for price. Give yourself time to shop around and use some creativity. Shopping on line will give you an idea of what’s out there before you hit the stores. Be sure to wear a good bra, shape wear, if necessary, and a pair of heels when going shopping. If the dress is going to require a lot of alterations it’s probably not cut for you. You don’t want to pay more for alterations than the cost of the dress. You’re likely to never wear it again. Save the alteration money for when you want to cut it down.
Once you decide on a color, inform your date so you don’t clash in color and style. For example, you don’t want him in a contemporary look while you are wearing a Victorian style. You want to compliment each other so guide him a bit especially if fashion is not one of his strengths. Be sure to compliment him.
Enjoy yourself. Don’t stress out too much. When shopping, just bring one person you trust with a sense of style. Too many opinions will confuse you and it is rare that someone wants you to look better than they do.
Decide which styles will flatter your figure, decide on your budget, give yourself enough time to shop, and more importantly have fun. You want it to be a memorable event and a great way to bond with your mom, sisters or a good friend.
Tags: accentuate, accessories, Cocktail Dresses, color, Prom, Prom Dress Shopping, Red Carpet, Style, Trends, Your Bugdet
Posted in accessories, Alterations, Dresses, Shopping | 10 Comments »
Clean & Repair Your Hand Bag
Monday, November 9th, 2009
Saving your hand bag whose lining is torn can be costly. A small tear can be fixed for less than $10 but if the entire lining has to be replaced it can run up to $150 depending on the size, material, or design of the bag. Only consider relining the bag if it is cherished, of high quality, or can not be replaced.
With canvas totes, you can remove light dirt stains by rubbing the soiled area with a dry gum eraser. But don’t spot-clean; it will leave a water ring. Heavier stains on fabric bags, leather and suede, require professional hand cleaning by a handbag expert, unlike a dry cleaner, whose machines can cause more harm than good. Suede is more expensive because it takes twice as long to recondition. It can cost from $50 to$125 for a leather bag and $100 to $200 for suede as well as for some fabrics.
A handbag cleaner can remove some marks, including oil and lipstick, but ink is usually impossible to get out. Soap and water will work best on vinyl bags.
Tags: Canvas, Cleaning, Leather, Stained Hand Bag, Suede, Torn Lining, Vinyl Bags, Worn Lining
Posted in accessories, Hand Bags | 1 Comment »
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