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4 Neutrals to Support You This Spring

December 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

If you have followed my latest post, you know that the color for 2010 is Turquoise.  Adding pops of this color will put you on trend this season.  As we are climbing out of our economic slump, I want to encourage your continued vigilance and mindful shopping.  Be smart with your purchases and you’re sure to be stylish for spring 2010.

Here are 4 great neutrals that will be the backbone of your wardrobe for Spring.  This photo is from Nanette Lepore’s Spring 2010 line.  Neutrals provide the starring role and allow you to move in and out of seasons effortlessly by adding new colors in simple, easy, impact ways.  These neutrals are all from Pantone’s Top Color choices for Spring.  There IS  a neutral* that is just right for you.

  1. Pink Champagne-good for cool skin tones and great for supporting tomato and blue
  2. Tuscany-good for cool and warm skin tones and great for supporting coral and violet
  3. Dried Herb-a green neutral is great for your big ticket items and warmer skin tones
  4. Eucalyptus-good for all skin tones and great for accessories and handbags

*A word of caution about neutrals, not ALL neutrals are great for you.  Just because they are neutral doesn’t mean that you can wear each one of them.  Choose a neutral based on your skin tone.

  • If you have a warm or yellow skin tone, go with something that  has more of a yellow or green hue such as Dried Herb.
  • If your skin tone is cool or has a pink tone, then go with a neutral that is more suited to your skin tone such as the Pink Champagne.

In any case, please know that there IS a neutral that works best for your skin tone.  Begin building a wardrobe with neutrals and you’ll have a wardrobe that works for YOU!

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”

Filed Under: Color, Spring Trends Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2010

December 28, 2009 By 2 Comments

Pantone's Color of the Year-Turquoise

I love the end of each year because Pantone, announces their color of the year.  This year turquoise will be the color for 2010.  The announcement of this color has a huge impact on everyone, from clothing and interior trends to the next generation of automobiles.  In effect, it has an impact on everything-the world around us.

The introduction of a color each year is not taken lightly.  Influences include everything from the political and social climate to historical and cultural trends and events.  So, it doesn’t surprise me in the least to see a color such as turquoise become the color of the year.

According to Leatrice Eiseman, color expert with Pantone, the gemstone has long been used as protective talisman against evil by man cultures.  Some even consider turquoise a “universal” color, one which everyone can wear.

Perhaps it is our desire for a better economic climate or even protection in a volatile world adrift that has helped push this color choice.  In any case, turquoise is considered a color of deep compassion and healing.  It encourages both inner and outer healing, something we all can embrace.

Varying shades of turquoise, the color combines both blue and green-symbolizing  truth and new beginnings.  I say let’s all add some turquoise into our wardrobe starting this spring and embrace a new decade of healing from the inside out.

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”

Filed Under: Color, Trends Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Are Leggings Right For YOU?

December 16, 2009 By 1 Comment

Well, I hate to say it but YES the 80′s are BAAAAACK! My daughter was born in the 80′s so you can “guess” about how old I am.  I “think” I remember wearing them then, but wait NO, that was when I was doing the “Dress for Success” thing!

I did dress my daughter in them and they worked great for her.  She was tiny and they were actually the only thing that fit her little body.  She looked “cute”.  Always paired with an over-sized sweatshirt, everything look great and was neat and tidy!  I think this was about the time “Fresh Produce” was introduced.

So maybe you’ve worn them once, should you wear them again?  Hmmmm, well let’s take you through a few do’s and don’ts and maybe you can work a little magic this time!  I’ll let you decide how good you look in them, but remember,  just because it is the trend doesn’t mean that YOU have to adapt to it.

Ask yourself this question:  “Do you want to look cute or stylish?”  Remember I said that my daughter looked “cute”.  It reminds me of when a Realtor says that a house looks “cute”.  I like a beach front cottage to be cute, but not my home!

Am I going to wear them?  Hmmmm, maybe around the house, outside, probably not!  Next up……shoulder pads!

DO:

  1. Do pay attention to proportion.
  2. Please do cover your hiney!
  3. You can wear a short dress or long sweater over leggings
  4. Wear cute ballet flats or platform heels
  5. Throw on an over-sized cuff or bangle to bring interest above the waist

DON’T:

  1. Wear a tight or short top/shirt (it’s that proportion thing again)
  2. No chunky, clunky or athletic shoes
  3. Definitely NOT appropriate for work
  4. If you didn’t wear them in the 80′s there’s probably a good reason NOT to wear them now!

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”


Filed Under: Style, Trends Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

10 Simple Ways to Create a Better Image

December 14, 2009 By 2 Comments

A recent ForbesWoman Article stated that looks mattered more than brains when it comes to getting a promotion for women.  It seems as though we have taken a step back in time.  Does it really make a difference?  I say that the older you get the more it DOES make a difference.  Why?  You’ve heard it all before-first impressions, stiff competition for fewer jobs, etc.  and so it goes.

There are a lot of young people coming into the market place today.  Especially if you are in your mid-40′s to 50′s, you need to know they are hungry.

They are willing to do what it takes to get the job.  They will move, dress in what is considered “corporate” dress, travel, etc.  It reminds me of the 80′s when John T. Malloy’s Dress for Success was first published.

So what’s a woman to do?  According to Lisa Sarumi Lewis:  “in corporate America, looking/acting the part trumps talent and  intelligence every time.”   There are many things that you can do to keep yourself  in the running without going under the knife.  These are simple, easy steps towards a better look and greater self-esteem, because there is positive energy and people recognize high self-esteem.

  1. Whiten your teeth
  2. Get a new hairstyle if it has been more than 5-10 years since your last update
  3. Hire an image consultant to help you update your look to reflect your position
  4. Walk with purpose and stand erect
  5. Get a manicure
  6. Make sure your shoes are in good repair and heels aren’t too high
  7. Dress up, but don’t over dress
  8. Please, no cleavage at work
  9. Successful women DO wear make-up but not too much (that means lipstick too!)
  10. Make sure your body language says that you are open and ready to go

Follow these general guidelines.  Remember, you do have the experience and maturity and there is still great value in this.  Don’t sit on your laurels assuming that just because you have the experience you will get the job.  Look current, vibrant and alive and you will stay ahead of the competition.

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have Fun Doing It!”


Filed Under: How To, Image Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hair-dentity-Lessons in a New Hairstyle

December 10, 2009 By 3 Comments

Why are we so tied to our hair?  Hair is such a part of our personality, our self esteem, how we identify ourselves.  Remember the “blue-haired” lady?  It is often times one of the ways that people describe someone.  Think about it, when meeting someone new and trying to describe that person to another we often say, blond hair, black or brown, short or long, curly or straight.  Why?

New Profile PictureSeveral months ago I blogged about my own “journey” to a new hairstyle.  I have had my hair short for most of my adult life and decided to try a new hairstyle.  Yesterday I succumbed to the scissors and cut it all off again.  So I ask  myself two questions:

  1. Why did I go through the hassles of growing my locks only to cut it off ?
  2. What was the final straw that made me decide that enough was enough?

First of all I think the fact that I do like change (I am a “Gemini”!) played a significant role in my decision to grow my hair.  I had not seen any new short hairstyles that I was drawn to in a while and honestly I was tired of the same old “look” that I had for the past 5-6 years. ( Note to self: if it has been more than 10 years since your last hairstyle change it is TIME for a change! )

There is a significant hassle factor in growing hair out but the reason that I grew it out was to have enough length do actually cut into a style to do something different with.  So, I did recognize that there would be a period where I was “in transition”.

Second the straw that broke the camel’s back was the fact that I worked so hard every day  to look like I was alive, vibrant, energetic and simply “with it”.  My hair  had grown to just about shoulder length was at times full of moisture and “big hair” and other times “flat”.

The products that I accumulated underneath my sink to manage all the stages of my growth was out of control.    I purchased products for when my hair was newly foiled and colored, products for when it rained and was humid, dry, cold, frizzy, flat, curly, needed straightened.  You name it I had it.

Beneath all the hair was a small-facial structure that wanted out.  My personality is not one that tolerates a lot of fuss about anything much less hair.  I’ve never needed a lot of time to “do” my hair and I was beginning to spend more than was humanly possible on 1 head-ENOUGH I said.

I was finished, tired, over and done with high maintenance.

I walked into the salon and said I’m “yours” have fun but please leave some for styling!  So now as my locks stand in shock over the next few days getting used to their new independence I feel FREE.

I feel alive, perky and feel like I have lost those last 5 pounds I have been carrying around since Thanksgiving.  I want to say just breathe!  YES, I did it.

Please remind me next time I want to have long hair that I DON’T and remember:

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have Fun Doing It!”

Filed Under: Hairstyle, Makeover Tagged With: , , , , , ,

6 Crimes of Fashion

December 9, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Everyone knows that fashion trends come and go.  The hardest part of style is knowing WHEN those trends become crimes of fashion!

All new and updated are some fashion trends that are becoming passe.  Don’t make your passion for fashion become a crime of fashion!  Stay current and up to date!

These are fashion blunders that you should never do.  Pay close attention because as you get older and more mature, your youth may no longer allow you to get away with these crimes!

  1. Double denim…..never wear a pair of denim slacks with a denim jacket.  Mixing denim is o.k., but why not mix it with something more inventive-say corduroy, suede or leather??
  2. All-leather looks.…leather is in but pair it wisely and tone it down.  Just because you see it on the run-way or on the movie stars doesn’t mean it’s everyday street wear.
  3. Granny sweaters.…nothing ages you more than a pastel crew neck with a peter pan collar.  Open up your collar, put on a v-neck and show that you are alive and well!
  4. 8″ Platform stilettos…ok seriously who can even walk in them???  Are you planning on using them for weaponry?  Instead try wearing a sleek moderate pump with a low vamp (opening).  Anything up to 3″ most people can actually survive the sidewalks in!
  5. 80′s Dressing....we are seeing the resurgence of the 80′s but honestly if you wore it in the 80′s you’re pushing 30 years older and it won’t cut it the second time around.  Leave it for the 20 somethings!
  6. Over-sized Bags...we are over them and you really should be too.  I’m talking suitcase-body bags!  You bag should be scaled to fit your body.  Besides who can carry one without reeking havoc to your shoulder??

Just remember that fashion is bought style is created.  Come and learn how to create your perfect style at Style Camp

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have Fun Doing It!”

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

Mistake Women Make-Color, Style or Size/Fit?

December 7, 2009 By 1 Comment

Several weeks ago I posted a poll question to the community.  I asked the following question:

What do you think the mistake women make most is?

I wanted to know if you felt that women make their purchasing mistakes by choosing:

  • Wrong Color
  • Wrong Style
  • Wrong Size/Fit

What do you think the answers were?  Many people initially felt that it was the wrong color.  Then the number began to change most people felt that women made most of their mistakes when purchasing wrong SIZE.

Here are the “official” results:

  • Wrong Size 47%
  • Wrong Style 45%
  • Wrong Color 8%

Now I will tell you what I think. I believe that most people come to adulthood not getting their color “all wrong”.  If they are listening to those around them they know generally a color “family” that is o.k.  They may not get it exactly right, but it’s not all wrong.

I believe that women will forever buy a size either for comfort or because of the number on the label and wear it regardless of whether or not it looks good.

I believe that a woman will NOT wear something that is not the right STYLE for them.  Yes, they will buy it but they will put it on and take it off again because it just doesn’t “feel” right.  They may not know why because the color and the size might be right.  The STYLE is ALL WRONG!

That’s why I say:  COLOR, STYLE, FIT….it has to be all right to have it all good.  There you have it, my “unscientific” poll of woman’s fashion sense!

“Look Good, Feel Great, and Have FUN Doing It!”

Filed Under: How To, Style, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,