You are here: Home / 2009 / Archives for July 2009

Build Your T-Shirt Closet

July 22, 2009 By 2 Comments

You’ve heard me say it time and again…Less is more….When it comes to creating your “t-shirt” closet, this is one place where “more is more”! 

The ubiquitous “t-shirt” has finally risen in status to a classic piece.  Becoming a classic takes time.   A classic piece transcends all style personalities and is adopted in every one’s closet.  Consider definition of a “classic”.

A classic is defined as having lasting significance or worth, enduring quality.  This doesn’t mean that it won’t change or adapt to a trend, but the basic shape is still the same.  The “t-shirt” as we know it today was introduced in 1913 when the Navy adopted it as a part of their uniform.  In the 50′s it was worn by the likes of James Dean and other “cool” guys as a place to keep cigarettes..  It wasn’t until much later that it was to become considered a “classic”.  Today, the classic “T” is a staple in every wardrobe moving easily day to day and can be seen every social setting.  Here are some key tips on wearing your favorite t-shirt no matter where you go. 

Fabric matters when dressing up your t-shirt.  No longer are t-shirts just made of 100% knit.  A basic cotton t-shirt may be o.k. with your jeans out for coffee, but it is not o.k. at work.  Be sure that you select a fabric that has more density, structure or body to it.  Choose a top made a good blend of fibers, say silk and Lycra or cotton and spandex.  A blend will give it a more substantial feel and look more expensive.

Shape is very important.  The current trend in design is to follow the lines of a woman’s body.  This does not mean that it has to be skin tight (although some personality types may like this).  This means that you don’t wear a box on your body.  Hold the t-shirt up and see whether you can see straight lines or curves where a waist should be.  If you do not, the t-shirt doesn’t have shape.  You should be able to see gentle curves for moderate shaping and more defined curves for more form fitting.  Choose which shape you are more comfortable with, but definitely choose a shape.  Contrary to what you might believe, a box does not make you look slimmer rather it gives you no shape and thus can make you look larger.

Embellish your t-shirt.  Select a t-shirt that has some interest to it.  The latest trends show ruffles, bows or other embellishments.  If your t-shirt doesn’t have anything on it, throw a scarf or necklace (or two) on top dress it up.  It is fun, casual and easy and makes you feel dressed without being over the top.

Necklines are flattering.  Don’t just opt for the traditional “crew” neckline.  It is much more flattering to a woman’s body to have some interest at the neck.  So, choose a neckline that is different: v-neck, boat, deep scoop, etc. will give you ample room for scarves and necklaces.

Sleeves give interest.  A simple short sleeve is not enough.  Go for variety here.  Choose a t-shirt in a short, cap, ¾ length, bracelet length, in addition to full length.

Having a variety of t-shirts in a variety of styles in the same color will give you depth in your closet.  So, don’t go for the “rainbow” (having every color in the rainbow) effect in your closet.  Go for variety in style instead.  This is one place where “more is more”!  And remember:

“Look good, feel great and have fun doing it!”

Want to copy this article?  You must copy the entire article including the following information.  Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP Image Assets, email:  Karen@ImageAssets.net, on the web: www.ImageAssets.net
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, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , , ,

Cheap is Expensive-Expensive is Cheap

July 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Here is a question to ponder….How many pants do you have that look and feel really good on you?  For that matter, how many skirts, dresses, shirts, blouses, jackets or t-shirts look and feel great?  Are the colors good and does the style work for you?

Now consider your shopping habits.  Do you shop only when there is a sale, when you have an event to attend or when you are bored?   You may take pride in being a ”bargain” shopper and find great sales but, are you wearing your “bargain” now?  How many times have you worn your new item?  Is it still in your closet with tags on?  Your cheap find may actually be expensive - very expensive if it is a stand alone piece and cannot be worn with any other piece in your closet.  

If you are not able to wear the pieces in your closet 100% of the time, then they are costing you precious dollars.  Every time you shop be sure to check in with your color, style, fit  and pay particular attention to the 3 F’s –  fit, feel, fab before you open your wallet.  If what you are considering doesn’t fit your body*, feel good, and look fabulous on you then run don’t walk away.  My mantra is “color, style, fit-fit, feel, fab”. 

The color must be good, the style must be your style and the fit must follow the lines of your body.  Does is fit?  Is it pulling or tuggging,  gaping or whiskering, etc?  Does it feel good?  Does the fabric feel good to you-some people just don’t like the feel of lycra or wool.  Check in with yourself and see.  Finally, does it look fab?  Seriously,  does it really look like you or your girlfriend, mother, sister, brother?

 Fit is one of the most difficult areas for a woman to adhere to.  We want to shop today-wear it tonight.  Remember to fit the largest part of your body first and then alter to fit.  A good alterations expert will be your key to a great fitting, well-tailoredgarment  just for you and the key to allowing you to: 

“Look good, feel great and have fun doing it!”

Want to copy this article?  You must copy the entire article including the following information.  Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP Image Assets, email:  Karen@ImageAssets.net, on the web: www.ImageAssets.net
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: , , , , , , , , ,

Get the “Skinny” on Jeans

July 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Last week I received a question about the new “skinny” jeans.  The question was if everyone could wear them.  In short, I say “yes” everyone can wear them, but perhaps not everyone should.  Today jeans are distressed, boyfriend, skinny, acid washed and trouser.  What’s a woman to do?

Jeans are on the short list of things women have a love-hate relationship with.  They love them because once found they are their new BFF, but finding them is a difficult thing to accomplish.  Do you really have to spend $100′s on the right pair of jeans for yourself?  Maybe so…maybe not….manufacturers realize and understand that jeans are here to stay and there are jeans at every price point.

Let me just say that I encourage you to approach your denim as an investment in you.  Have you ever worn out a pair of jeans in a year?  Think about how much you are willing to spend on a bathing suit, a pair of shoes, a coat and consider how often you wear these items.  Changing your focus on what is important for you to look great in one of the biggest core pieces you will ever own is critical to the success of your wardrobe.  So, to get the best jean for you, you just might have to spend a few more dollars.  I encourage you to research before you buy.

Here you’ll find the latest trends in denim and how to wear them to look good and create your style.  Don’t forget to take it all the way or you will run the risk of looking “OL”  (old lady), dated or a trend gone bad and remember balance and proportion to make it work.

“Skinny” simply refers to the leg opening rather than the jean itself.  I am not a big fan of the skinny jean for myself.  Those of you who have thicker calves will also find them less comfortable.  The key to having a good looking “skinny” jean is to make sure that they fit snug (not tight) around the waist and have the right amount of stretch.  The stretch is what will give you the comfort in getting them on and not too confined. You don’t want more than a 3-4% stretch or you will find they “bag out” after a few hours. (Photos from Levi.com)

How to wear: Always  balance the ‘skinny’ on the bottom with something larger on top.  A tunic, sweater or peasant blouse for example and lots of chains, boots, heels or wedges.

“Boyfriend” refers to a looser baggier style through the hips and thighs.  It is called “boyfriend” because it may appear that you are wearing your boyfriend’s jeans.  I like this trend because it is a fun casual look.  Often seen as ripped, torn, and distressed you need to wear this look with attitude or you will look as if you just came in from the fields.  This is an easy look to pull off because it is not as confining as the skinny jean.  Try this one out but make sure you take the look all the way. (Photos from Levi.com)

How to wear: If you are over the age of 25 and not “hanging out with the stars” be careful about adopting the ripped, torn, distressed look.  It is hard to carry off for anyone with their youth in the rear view mirror.  If you like the boyfriend look, go for the less distressed look.  Wearing them to a ball game or a casual get together might be fine.  Dress it up and don’t get too full on top.  This look is fuller on the bottom, so you’ll need to show some shaping on top.  Wear them rolled up, with a belt, a “boyfriend” (longer) sweater-belted or fitted, flats or pumps, a scarf around your neck and a cool watch.

“Trouser” is across the board a more dressy and body forgiving style.  It tends toward darker washes (also a more dressy look).  In addition it is also fuller through the seat and thigh area.  If you have curves, go ahead and try trouser jeans.  Donna Karan developed a trouser pant that is cut on the bias and truly moves with the body.  (It moves the wallet too!)  With the resurgence of the “bohemian” look of the 70′s Levi has reintroduced their 1970′s and 1974 flares. (Photos from Levi.com)


How to wear: Wear the out on a date, casually with flats, wedges or pumps, a t-shirt or a crisp white blouse.  Just note that it is no longer “cool” for your trouser jeans to drag and fray.  So if you love them, get them in two lengths-one to wear with heels/wedges and one to wear with flats and you are good to go.

These are the Donna Karan “Sculpted-Bias” Jean.  They are really beautiful and at a beautiful price of $595.

Have fun with the new trends and remember:

“Look good, feel great and have fun doing it!”

Want to copy this article?  You must copy the entire article including the following information.  Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP Image Assets, email:  Karen@ImageAssets.net, on the web: www.ImageAssets.net
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, Jeans Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

“A”- List Style

July 11, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The “A” list” Stars typically lead what is hot in fashion and this particular “A” list has a look just for you.  Check out what these “A” listers are wearing and see if you can adopt a few of these pieces to get your “A” game on. 

Angelina “LBD” Jolie:  She looks great in everything, but the impeccable LBD (little black dress) is one piece to add right now to round out your date night wardrobe.  Make sure to “make it work” with sexy pumps, a patent clutch and big sunglasses for daytime.

The Olson “Extreme” Twins:  For them everything is an expression in the extreme.  If your personality can wear it try a Fedora-the latest spring accessory, something vintage, and a large oversized handbag.  Easy!

Katie “Boyfriend” Holmes:  Here is one “A” lister I love to watch.  She kicked off the boyfriend sweater and baggy -rolled jean look earlier this year.  Often paired with a belt, be sure to wear them with flats and don’t forget the ubiquitous scarf wrapped around your neck and big sunglasses.

Posh “Dress” Spice:  Is all about the fitted dress-wear it below the knee and accessorize with a big handbag, platform pumps and oversized sunglasses and you have it all going on.

Lindsay “Leggings” Lohan:   Well, my daughter wore these when she was a toddler.  Please choose this look only if you have long, slim legs.  Wear it with an oversized (again) and layered top but don’t stop here.  This one look is probably the easiest to go wrong with.  Not accessorized correctly, you will definitely date yourself.  Pair your leggings with boots and a fringed handbag. (Tread lightly going with this look)

Rocking Rihana:  If “rocker” girl is your style this is a fun way to update your look.  Pair your leather jacket or get a short sleeved leather jacket with neon- one of the hottest new trends.  This is a trend you will see moving into the fall.  Wear aviators, lots of chains around your neck and you are good to go.

Most people fail miserably when they are trying to adopt a look because they do not complete the look with accessories.  If you have a style icon that you follow, watch carefully and look at everything from top to bottom about the look you like.  Make sure you are comfortable in the look and that it is your style personality otherwise you run the risk of looking “o.l.” (old lady). 

The bottom line is you are never too old to get your “A” list look.  Remember, look good, feel great, and have fun doing it!

 ____________________
Want to copy this article?  You must copy the entire article including the following information.  Karen C. Hughes, AICI CIP Image Assets, email:  Karen@ImageAssets.net, on the web: www.ImageAssets.net
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: Stars, Style Tips Tagged With: , , , , ,