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The Care and Feeding of Cashmere

December 3, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Cashmere is a beautiful fabric that needs special care to maintain its soft, luxurious feel. It is a common belief that cashmere must always be dry-cleaned, but this is not always the case. In fact, over time, dry cleaning chemicals can damage these natural fibers. Always dry clean cashmere if it contains sequins, beads, or other delicate trim, not colorfast; or has serious stains.  Cashmere knits can be gently hand washed. Rubbing changes the texture of cashmere, so you will not want to spot clean your garment. If you do, there will always be a noticeable worn area on your piece. If you have a stain, either wash the entire garment or allow a dry cleaner to handle it.  

To Hand Wash Cashmere:

  • Dissolve mild detergent or baby shampoo in lukewarm water. Never use bleach.
  • Place the garment in the water and then gently swish it around for a few minutes, allowing the suds to soak in. (make sure you wash dyed garments cashmere separately so that colors don’t bleed).
  • Rinse your garment in cool water (and a little hair conditioner, if you like, to maintain softness), being careful not to stretch the fabric.
  • After rinsing do not wring but place it your cashmere on a clean, un-dyed towel and roll them up together to blot away excess water. For large garments, you may want to do this several times.
  • Place your garment on a fresh towel or drying rack. Reshape the piece, and make sure to let it air dry away from any direct heat or sunlight.

Don’t over wash your cashmere.  Under normal use, you should be able to wear a cashmere sweater a minimum of 6 times before it needs washing. To iron an occasional wrinkle, turn it inside out, place a slightly damp cloth over the piece, and press with a cool iron. Never apply an iron directly to cashmere. Friction damages cashmere garments and causes pilling.

Choose handbags and accessory pieces carefully or completely avoid jewelry.  Try accessorizing with a scarf and carrying a clutch style pocketbook. If your cashmere happens to develop pills, do not brush at them with any sort of lint remover. This just causes further pilling. Instead, wash the sweater to remove the worst of the pills and then gently remove the rest by hand.

To store cashmere in the off-season, make sure it is clean. Body odor and stains are virtually impossible to remove once they have set for a few months. Protect your cashmere from moths by storing it with cedar chips or mothballs and keeping it in airtight plastic. Following these simple steps should give you many years of wearable enjoyment out of your cashmere.

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Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.
Filed Under: Articles, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , ,

Parties, Politics & Polish

December 3, 2008 By Leave a Comment

It’s that time of year again to dust off your dress shoes, pull out the etiquette books, and remind yourself of the simple courtesies of being a guest.  Regardless of whether you are attending an office party or neighborhood party or even hosting one, polish up on your etiquette.  Not only will it ensure your comfort and success at the party but your guests’ success as well.

  • Invitations – all invitations should include the basics:  who, what, when, where, why.  It is also nice to list a dress code, but if it is not, a phone call to the host is appropriate.
    • R.S.V.P. – It means reply. Please honor the host with a reply as soon as possible.
       
  • Arrival – Getting to the party on time is important, but when to arrive?  
    • Dinner party – never arrive more than 10-15 minutes late and never arrive early unless you have been asked to help the host.  
    • Restaurant date – arrive no more than 5 minutes late. 
    • Cocktail party – usually a cocktail party is a bit more fluid.  Arriving 10-15 sometimes 30 minutes late is appropriate.
       
  • Attire – Use the following as guidelines when deciding your party dress.
    • “Holiday Casual ” – means business casual with some holiday colors or designs but please watch the skin and glitter, business etiquette still prevails
    • “Business Casual” – Men should wear a seasonal sport coat or blazer, pressed slacks or khaki and open-collar shirt or mock turtleneck.  Women should wear a skirt, pressed khakis or slacks and nice blouse, sweater and jacket option.  (no camisoles or spaghetti straps)
    • “Dressy Casual” – Men should wear a seasonal sport coat or blazer and slacks with a dress shirt-tie is not mandatory.  Women should wear a knee or appropriate length (not above the knee) dress or skirt and dressy top or dressy coordinated pants outfit.
    • “Festive” – This can be a bit more risky.  If you are in a business setting, choose your outfit with care and defer to “holiday casual”.  If you are in a social setting men should wear a seasonal sport coat or blazer, slacks, open collar shirt or mock turtleneck and if desired a festive tie.  Women have the option of wearing short cocktail dresses, long dressy skirts and tops or a coordinated dressy pants outfit.
       
  • Wine or Cocktails? – At a business event, always remember that you are still being evaluated by your superiors and peers.  If you find it difficult to limit your alcohol intake, you may choose to carry a glass of sparkling water.  You wouldn’t want to find yourself dancing on the table later.
     
  • Cell Phones – Give it a rest at the party.  Remove all earpieces and electronic attachments prior to arriving and turn your phone to vibrate or off.  Never answer your phone during dinner or in conversation with another guest.
     
  • Conversation – It’s been said that “loose lips sink ships?”  
    • No off color or dirty jokes
    • No politics, sex, or religion
    • No office gossip
       
  • Paying the Bill – If you were invited to attend a dinner out, you are not expected to pay.
     
  • Tipping – This is always a touchy subject, especially during the holidays.  If you get poor service, it is still proper to tip, simply reduce the amount.  Use your common sense when tipping for those who make your life easier (hairdresser, driver, day care worker, postal worker) below are a few guidelines that will help.
    • Salon Staff – $10-$60 each, giving the most to those who do the most
    • Teacher – gift, not cash (check policy of school)
    • Trash Collector – $10-$20 each
    • Yard and Garden – $20-$50
    • Personal Trainer, Message Therapist, etc. – Cost of one session
    • Postal Carrier – Government regulations permit up to $20
    • Housekeeper – 1 day’s pay
       
  • Gifting 
    • At the office – if your boss gives you a gift simply acknowledge the gift.  It is not expected to reciprocate.  You may choose to bring in cookies to the office.
    • As a dinner guest – if you are invited to dinner at someone’s home a hostess gift is always appropriate.  If you bring a bottle of wine, do not expect the host to use it that evening unless you have made prior arrangements.
    • As weekend guest – it is appropriate to bring a small gift to the host to show your appreciation.  A bottle of wine, gift certificate or dinner out is an appropriate gift.  Once home, a hand written thank you note of appreciation is also a nice gesture.
       
  • Leaving – Thank  the host(s) to acknowledge their generosity and say your good-byes.

Remember as a guest, be a guest and as the host treat everyone as a guest.  When in doubt always defer to common courtesy and “the golden rule” and you will eliminate many sticky situations.  There you have it, simple easy reminders for your happy holiday parties.  Have fun and enjoy the season.

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Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.
Filed Under: Etiquette, Events, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , ,

Image IS Your Competitive Advantage

November 5, 2008 By 2 Comments

Your ability to communicate with others can account for fully 85% of your success in life.   All else being equal, your ability to communicate can be the deciding factor in your next raise, job or business opportunity. A positive first impression is a powerful tool in demonstrating your competitive advantage to meet and exceed expectations.  Your image will create visual impact and give you confidence and power to succeed. 

It’s been said “you can’t judge a book by its cover” but today and especially in slow economic times, there is no time for a ‘do-over’.  People make snap decisions about your ability to help them be successful.   It’s all about the bottom line.  By your visual presence people will  evaluate you on three levels:

  1. Knowledge (how smart or teachable are you?)
  2. Success (do you look successful?)
  3. Relationships (are you relatable and can you make friends?)

When you meet someone new or are presenting yourself for the first time, how do you appear?  Are you prepared for the meeting, having spent time understanding the company, group or person you are meeting?  Do you know the dress policy?  Even if the policy is denim or business casual everyday, I would be hesitant to wear denim to an interview or first meeting.  For example, I wouldn’t suggest you meet with a law firm in clothing that would be acceptable in an advertising or design firm.  Mirror as best as possible the company or person you are meeting. 

Create the presence that you want by simply preparing for success every time.  In the time it takes you to polish your shoes, comb your hair and iron your shirt or slacks, you set yourself up for unlimited opportunities.  Before your next event, check the tips below to ensure you are set for success:

  • Knowledge is power 
    • Educate yourself about the person, group or company
  • Successful looks (prepare your outfit properly)
    • Groom your wardrobe (polish your shoes, iron or dry clean your clothes)
    • Keep it simple (no cologne, minimal jewelry, men no earrings)
    • Wear hose if you are wearing a skirt
    • No heels over 3” and keep the animal prints at home
    • Wear a suit, sports coat or jacket – the jacket is your ‘power’ piece
    • Brush your teeth and hair
    • Women wear make up and remember the rule – emphasize your lips or eyes, not both
    • Carry a briefcase, handbag or portfolio not all three and bring a quality pen
  • Relationships count (be on time – it shows respect)
    • Smile
    • Stand up straight
    • Shake with a firm but not a bone crushing handshake
    • When networking, scan the room upon entering to see what the crowd looks like.  Remember, it is easier to join a group when there are 3 or more people engaged in conversation.

Regardless of whether you are interviewing for a new job , networking to develop contacts, or presenting to a company always, always, always, be prepared.  Pay attention to the “small stuff”.  Besides, when opportunity knocks, it’s too late to prepare.

Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.
Filed Under: First Impresions, Image, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , ,

How to Shop When it is Not Your “Season” or on a Budget

October 13, 2008 By Leave a Comment

We are often confused by all the latest trends and want to go out to buy something just so we can be up to date or ‘on trend’. Have you ever gone to the shops and not seen any color you like or even looks good on you? Or, you may be experiencing a budget crisis and want to update but really don’t have the money. Check out the tips below on how to update your wardrobe whether you are on a budget or just can find any color that you like. Just don’t buy anything, but the right thing and your wardrobe will sing!

10 Tips to update your wardrobe when it is not your season or you are on a budget

  1. Focus on basic or core pieces (slacks, skirts, jackets-nothing too exaggerated or severe)
  2. Buy a new suit in a neutral color (navy, black, gray, brown, etc)
  3. Buy a Pashmina or scarf (they are usually always in an array of colors that will match your season)
  4. Update your belts to match the current trends (skinny belts for fall)
  5. Add some textured tights
  6. Build your lingerie wardrobe – get fitted for a new bra
  7. Update with a new handbag
  8. Try some accessories that are in season.  A great “statement” necklace is all the rage this season.
  9. Get a new style of jeans that fit great and look great (get them in 2 hem lengths-you’ll be glad you did)
  10. Focus on shoes (shoes are big this season and will add huge impact)
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Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.
Filed Under: How To, Shop, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , ,

Are You a Fashion Emergency?

September 4, 2008 By 2 Comments

If you answer yes to 5 or more of the following questions, you might be headed for a fashion emergency.

  1. Are you over 35 and still wearing jeans that are frayed and pocked with holes?
  2. Does your midriff show when you are wearing tops?
  3. Does your thong or granny panty show or do you have vpl (visible panty lines) when you wear slacks?
  4. Do you wear your pajama bottoms or baggy sweats to the grocery store all the time just because they are comfy?
  5. Has is been more than 10 years since you changed your hairstyle?
  6. Do you wear your college, themed or charity t-shirts as casual shirts?
  7. Do you wear your dirty athletic shoes on casual Friday?
  8. Do you think that just because you have a few extra pounds on you that ‘baggy’ makes you look better?
  9. Do you wear your hair parted down the center and all one length just because it is “easier”?
  10. Are your breasts approximately at your elbows or has it been more than 5 years since you had a bra fitting?
____________________
Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.
Filed Under: Style Tips Tagged With: , ,

8 Ways to Flatter a Bottom-Heavy Figure

May 14, 2008 By 1 Comment

1. Balance Figure with Color, Fitted Pieces

You can wear a fitted suit, even with a slim skirt, if you are bottom heavy. Just remember:

  • Keep the line long by using all one color with slim-cut pieces. It elongates and slims the figure. 
  • Choose fitted jackets that end well above your widest point. 
  • Wear a top or jacket with structured shoulders, puffy sleeves, etc. to balance out your larger bottom half. 
  • Rely on a form-fitting, but never tight, skirt in a non-clingy fabric.

2.  Think Fit and Flare

One of the classic recommendations for the bottom-heavy figure is the full skirt. It’s still a great option, especially for dresses. How to make the full skirt work:

  • Go for a fit and flare silhouette. Draw attention to the waist with a belt, gathers, band or other feature. The skirt should flare out from the fitted waist. 
  • Take the fit and flare silhouette one step further by opting for a strapless dress. You’ll get the benefit of showing off your shoulders, while concealing your hips. Also, the strong line of bare shoulders helps balance a wider bottom half.

3.  Find Jeans that flatter.

You can look great in jeans. The key is to choose leg openings and back pockets to fit your figure. Here’s how:

  • Boot cut leg openings are the most flattering jean legs of all. The slight flare balances out wider hips and fuller thighs. 
  • Opt for a darker wash jean for the most slimming look. 
  • Five-pocket styling looks best, but you’ll want to avoid excessive embellishment on the back pockets if the size of your backside bothers you. 
  • The longer the jeans, the longer (and thinner) your legs look. Wear boot cut jeans as long as you possibly can without having them bunch up around your legs. If you can stand them, pair jeans with high heels for a super-flattering look.

4.  Put Prints on Your Smallest Feature

Another way to balance the bottom-heavy figure is to accentuate your top half with prints. Vertical stripes, menswear checks or plaids, floral and polka dots are all great options.

5.  Wear a solid pant or skirt and keep jackets short (never let a jacket end right at the widest point of your hips).

  • Go for a Raised Waist
  • If your natural waistline is thick, along with full hips and thighs, one of your best options in dresses is the empire-waist (raised waist) dress.

With this silhouette, the focus is shifted to only the top third of your body because the waist falls right below the bust line. This look works best with pear-shaped women who are small-busted.

6.  Pick a Pretty Neckline

You don’t need a plunging V-neck or tons of cleavage to pull this off. What you do need is added interest — a sweetheart neckline, a halter, a knotted front — to draw attention up and towards your face.

 7.  Light on Top, Dark on Bottom

As basic as it sounds, the best way to use color to camouflage/highlight figure areas is to use contrasts.  The black bottom with white top works like a dream: it brings the eye up to the lightest hue and the top half of the body.

8.  Choose Slimming Swimwear

The idea of high-cut legs on your swimsuit may make you uncomfortable, but they are a flattering way to make your legs look miles long. Here are more Do’s and Don’ts for swimwear:

  • Don’t wear boy shorts. They’ll look boxy on you because they accentuate thighs.
  • Do choose swimwear with graphic interest — vertical stripes, color blocking — strategically placed to draw the eye up.
  • Don’t wear a teeny-weeny bikini bottom. The less fabric on bottom, the fleshier you’ll look from the waist down.
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Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas.  As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.
Filed Under: Articles, How To, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , , ,

Color That Makes You Look Younger

April 26, 2008 By 1 Comment

For the past several years, I have been thinking about going with an ‘all-over’ color to keep my life simple and easy as I embrace my 50’s. Through many conversations with hair colorists (literally dozens) and research, I have decided that it just won’t work-for me at least. I know as a color analyst that color is one of the most effective ways to keep your hair natural and youthful looking. After all I don’t necessarily want to look ‘younger’, I want to look ‘youthful’ and ‘vibrant’. Choosing the right color is a task that I leave to the hair color experts. Celebrity hair colorist Rita Hazan offers some words of advice for women who want to maintain natural and youthful-looking tresses!

Choose the Right Color for Your Skin Tone

Extreme colors may have been o.k. in your 20’s but now they tend to make you look older. Follow this guide to determine the right shade for you:

  • Reds: Pick a more auburn tone—not a fiery red.
  • Browns: Pick a more chocolate brown. As we mature, our skin color changes and we lose pigment in our skin. Stay away from very dark colors like black or dark brown. Lighten up your color a few shades—this will take years off!
  • Blondes: Pick more of a honey blonde—never baby or platinum blonde. Blondes especially need golden tones to add a rosy and sun-kissed glow to the face.

Highlighted Hair Looks Natural

Stay away from monotone (single color) hair color. Multidimensional, tone-on-tone highlights add movement to the hair. They keep hair looking natural and healthy, not fake.

  • Too many highlights can look artificial and fake.
  • Choose a pretty base color and accent your base color with a few highlights. This will give you a more sophisticated but modern and sexy look.

Be Careful with Trends

If you like to keep up with fashion and beauty trends, don’t go full force. You can always accent your color with a little trend. For example, with highlights, go warmer.

Wash That Gray Out!

When you start to notice gray hairs, start using a vegetable dye in your natural color family. This will wash out rather than grow out, and it will last about three months. Never let your grays show—this is very aging! Vegetable dye also helps if you are trying to grow out a color you don’t like. Also, the combination of darker roots and light ends is never a youthful look.

Don’t Forget the Eyebrows

Lighten your eyebrows a shade or two. This will help soften up your face. If you have gray in your eyebrows, color it—this will help give you more color and brighten up your face!

Filed Under: Color, Hairstyle, Style Tips Tagged With: , , , ,

Hairstyle Guidelines for Every Age

April 5, 2008 By 1 Comment

One of the easiest ways to update your image is through your hairstyle.  I love changing hairstyles.  In this age of instant gratification, this is one place you can gain a quick new look and take 10 years off your face.  According to Ken Pave, hairstylist to the stars, the stages of a woman’s life help determine what styles are appropriate.  One rule of thumb way to know if you are ready for a new look is to ask yourself whether you have changed your hairstyle since high school or college.  If the answer is NO, you know that you are stuck in a time warp and it is time for a change.  Here are some simple age related rules for hairstyles (not color).  Embracing the age you are in by an appropriate hairstyle will help you move into each generation with ease and confidence.

Hairstyles for Your 20’s

At 20, you’re establishing what works and what doesn’t work for the future.  Things are more forgiving now, so figure it out.  What ever you do, wear your hair with confidence and learn what works and what doesn’t.

  • Have fun with your style
  • Experiment –but don’t go too extreme
  • Find out what you like and don’t like
  • If you sport long hair, go short-short hair go long
  • If you are light, go dark-dark go light

Hairstyles for Your 30’s

At 30, most women are usually into their careers either in work or as mothers.  In either case, we want to be taken seriously.  You should have learned from your 20’s what was working and your 30’s should reflect.  You’ve settled on a shape that works with your face.  Keep it simple-something that is versatile that you can wear from work to play.

  • Classic shapes
  • Move away from old high school or college styles

Hairstyles for Your 40’s

Women in their 40s are usually busy women and sometimes forget to focus on themselves.  Know you flaws, but don’t focus on them. 

  • Focus on positives (eyes, smile, shape of face)
  • Nothing extreme (too short or too long, too dark or too light)

It used to be women were told to cut their hair shorter because long hair tends to drag the face down and short hair would ‘lift’ the face.  Although this is true, it is not the only way to remedy the solution.  New hairstyles involve layering, which can achieve the same results by drawing the face out and upward which give an instant face-lift.So if do not want to cut your long hair, it is imperative that you have a hairstyle that is cut with techniques that layer and lift the face upward.  A single long layer hair style simply will not do. “There is often a stability related to our 40s which reflects in our personal style,” Ken says. “I find this to usually be the most conservative time in a woman’s life—a time where she wants an easy style which gives her more time to enjoy life’s richness. 

Hairstyles for Your 50’s

As women reached their 50’s they are not as compelled to prove anything to anyone.  During their 50’s women begin to refocus energies on themselves.  It is a new-found time for freedom and self discovery. 

  • Keep shapes soft-especially around the face
  • Embrace flirty style
  • No extreme haircuts and styles, but keep movement in hair
  • Keep hair soft and shiny, reflects youth
  • A soft pigment to dull dry hair will give it a youthful shine
  • Mature hair tends to be coarser and dehydrated-regular conditioning will help.
Filed Under: Hairstyle, How To Tagged With: , , , ,

What to Wear to Work

January 7, 2008 By 1 Comment

The goal in getting dressed for work is to project a professional, competent image, regardless of your employment level or career path.

The styles, colors, lengths and fit of your fashion choices will speak about your ability to do your job. You should be more concerned with looking professional than looking cute or trendy. The more distracting a piece of clothing or jewelry is, the less appropriate it is for office wear.

Things to Watch For

  • Jewelry that is noisy is distracting. Select a small to moderate size earring and a single bracelet.
  • Large over-sized or slouchy handbags look sloppy. Go with structured style.
  • It is the details that make a difference in your appearance: manicured nails, run-free hose, scuff-free shoes, neat hair.
  • Fit is everything in projecting a polished image. Pants should be fitted and free of visible pantie lines.  Skirts should be loose enough to sit down in comfortably. Jackets should be able to be buttoned.  And blouses shouldn’t gap between buttonholes.
  • Be careful when wearing designer labels. Anything heavily logo-ed looks cluttered and frivolous in the work place. A small designer bag is fine; a logo trench coat looks ridiculous. Choose well-made items that are free from obvious designer labels for the most professional look.

Career Killers

  • Too sexy: see-through lace, miniskirts, spaghetti straps, sheer sundresses, strappy stiletto sandals.
  • Too casual: jeans, shorts, T-shirts, hats, sneakers.
  • Too sloppy: wrinkled clothing, too many layers, baggy-fit clothing.

Business Dress Codes

Traditional (Formal) Business Attire - Matched business suits (skirt and if acceptable slacks and blazer), Closed-toe shoes (no sandals), Blouses, hose and conservative hair, jewelry and makeup are expected.

Corporate Casual Looks (Business Appropriate) – Dressy pants and a blouse, sleek jersey knits and skirts and tops are all examples of corporate casual.  Denim, T-shirts and flip-flops — all ’90s phenoms — are only acceptable in the most casual of work environments.

Casual Friday – Depending on the business, this can mean anything from corporate casual instead of formal looks or “Wear your company logo polo and jeans.” If in doubt, ask a superior.

Filed Under: Articles, Image, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , , ,

How to Choose a Handbag

January 6, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Handbags can flatter your shape as much as the right jacket or pants. Think of these tips the next time you shop for a handbag and you’ll get great shape and style with each outfit.

You’ve heard me say it before and I say it again. It’s all about proportion. Think Shape and Scale.

1.  Shapes

Choose a shape that is the opposite of your body type.

Tall and thin: Choose one that is slouchy or rounded to compliment your figure.
Short and voluptuous: Select on that is tall or rectangular or long and sleek (think clutch)

Generally, the rounder your figure, the more structure you should have in your bag . . .

Bag Definitions:

  • Tote – An open-top bag with straps or handles.
  • Hobo bag – A crescent-shaped shoulder bag.
  • Duffel – Tall shoulder bag, often with a wider opening on top.
  • Field bag – A flap-top shoulder bag with utility-type closure (buckles, snaps, etc).
  • Clutch – Small, handheld bag or a larger, geometric shape that is tucked under the arm.
  • Satchel - A large, handheld bag.
  • Baguette – Long and rounded shoulder bag resembling the namesake bread.
  • Messenger – A large, soft shoulder bag with long straps (often worn across the body).
  • Cigar Box – A small, boxy, hard bag.
  • Pouch – A soft, small bag.
  • Kelly bag – A classic Hermes style named after Grace Kelly; a large, structured handbag with distinctive hardware closures.

2.  Scale

Size should be in proportion to your figure. So if you are small is size and scale select a bag that is in scale with your body. DO not choose a bag that overpowers your body.

A shoulder bag’s length (where the bottom of the bag hits your body) will accentuate whatever part of the body it comes near. So if you are ‘blessed’ with “saddle bags” do not have your shoulder bag end at the largest part of your hips. The eye will be drawn to this point and accentuate your hips.

*Most women look great with a bag that hits mid-torso because it flatters the waist.

3.  Tips

Select your handbag wisely. Take your time and look at yourself in the mirror.  Just because it is a trendy shape, it may not work for you. Does it match your lifestyle?

Filed Under: Accessories, Handbags, How To Tagged With: , , ,
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