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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: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

5 Things to Know When You Need to Accessorize

November 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Accessories, specifically jewelry should have a connection-be in harmony, to your outfit.  Always take scale and balance into consideration when choosing your accessories and keep these 5 tips in mind and you’ll finish your look with style and pizazz.

  1. Cuffs and Bracelets: Stacking bracelets these days is so chic.  Don’t shy away from mixing different sizes together to add interest.  If you are bold enough, you can even stack on a cuff or 2!
  2. Rings: According to Tim Gunn, Host of Project Runway, a woman should have 3  rings – engagement, wedding and fashion.  The first two are a matter of taste and budget says Gunn.  The third should be about FUN (you know I’m all about FUN).  The real trick is to keep that fashion ring FUN.  Don’t try to make it look real-today it’s really all about the costume jewelry.  Flaunt that fake!
  3. Necklaces: Many fashion mistakes are made here.  Necklaces should be chosen based on your neckline.
    • Crew or Turtleneck – choose an opera length (26-36″ length)
    • V-or Plunging – choose 17-19″ (princess length)
    • Strapless – choose a choker, bib, or princess length
    • Halter or 1 shoulder- choose NOTHING- leave it alone and wear “killer” earring
  4. Watches: Personal preference leads decisions about size and scale of watches, but  you’ll want to keep it simple and elegant if you are wearing cocktail attire.  A large chunky watch with cocktail attire just won’t do.
  5. Earrings: Everyone should own at least 1 good pair of stud earrings.  Be careful though that the studs aren’t larger than about 1/4 in circumference, says Gunn.  It’s not the same as wearing that “fashion ring”.  If you can only own one pair of good studs, go for a good pair of quality pearls.  They are always tasteful, classic and stylish.

There you have it, 5 great accessory pieces that you can wear know you look great!  Next up is how to handle that Statement Bag! Follow our blog(s) weekly and you’ll have everything you need to:

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

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

Snakes and Animals for Fall

August 28, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!  Just when you thought it was safe to come out of the forest the snakes and animals are back!  Give it up, don’t fight the trend anymore because snake and animal prints have become a classic. 

The species may change, but the animal kingdom will always be with us.  I once was told by a decorator that animal print in a room brings life, energy and character to the room.  So it is with your wardrobe. 

Sometimes it’s a zebra, cheetah or lizard.  Sometimes is a leopard or a snake.  Sometimes it’s just a touch with a belt or a shoe and sometimes it’s a statement piece with a jacket or pants.  Pay attention to the intensity and class of the species on display because going wrong with an animal can reek havoc with your style!

This fall it’s more about touches of animal.  Get it in a handbag, shoe, belt, even a bracelet, but add some snakeskin or animal into your wardrobe this season to pump it up.  Don’t do animal this season in a statement piece…put those away for now. 

Check out the latest trends from designers such as Calvin Klein, Tod’s, Gianni Bini, Miu Miu, BCBG and more.    Keep it subtle this fall to support all those vibrant colors you’re seeing and you’ll be all about style.

 

                

 

“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: Fall Trends, Trends Tagged With: , , , , ,

Thigh High & Over the Knee Boots-Could You? Should You?

August 17, 2009 By 2 Comments

I received an email today asking the following question:

“I’m working on my Fall 2009 wardrobe, and love everything I’m seeing in the magazines. What is your take on the “over-the-knee” boots that seem to be everywhere? How would you suggest a 40-something woman wear them and not look ridiculous? (or is that not possible… )”

My first thought was welllll…. My next thought was, “great question”.  So what’s the answer?  As you have come to read in my blogs, nothing is ever as easy as a yes or no, black or white.  This is definitely a younger look.

Let me ask you this:

  1. Where do you live (metro, surburban, rural)
  2. How old are you?
  3. What is you core style (do you have a dramatic style?)
  4. Where are you planning on wearing them?

Now, I’ll give you my answers to the above questions.

  1. If you live in a major metropolitan area (think big City) you might be able to wear the thigh high or over the knee boots while out at night or shopping with friends,but NOT to work.
  2. If you are pushing 40 or over 40, then think again. After a certain age it is very difficult to carry off a look that is as extreme as the “dominatrix” look without looking foolish.  Leave these looks to the 20-somethings that can risk the opportunity of making.
  3. Is your “core” style Dramatic?  This is not as “trendy” as it may seem.  This look pushes the edge and requires all the accoutrements that belong with this look.  Dramatic makeup, dramatic colors, leather, etc.  In the photo below Kate Moss has successfully carried it off, but look at how she has paired it with other pieces.  (oversized glasses & bag, large scarf, bold sweater)  (Get the picture-oversize, bold, large, etc.) If you can’t successfully work the entire look you’d better leave it alone.
  4. Where are you planning on wearing this look?  To work, to school, out on a date, dancing?   This definitely doesn’t project a successful business image so don’t try to make it look like one.  You will miss the boat if you try.  Missing the boat will make you look like a fashion disaster.

As a last comment, when you see new fashions in the magazines, take a look at how they are staged.  Look at the styling and the clothes that are combined with the look.  Look at the lighting of the photo shoot, look at the background.  For this look you will most likely see Hollywood types, runway shots and extreme locations to support the overall feeling of dominatrix.

The  legs get a lot of attention.  Tights or jeans, the leg is accentated.  So, if you don’t have great legs, even if you are 20 something, run away from this look.

So, here’s my final answer: “If you are 40′sh, have great legs, can pull off the entire look, want to wear it out on the town or shopping in the city, I say you go girl”. I’ll be leaving this one alone!

To learn more about adapting the latest trends to your own style click on the following link.  Adapting Trends to Your Wardrobe

“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: Boots, Style Tips, Trends Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

5 Ways to Adapt Trends to Your Wardrobe

August 12, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Each season magazines are all over the newest trends.  You see high fashion, street fashion and everything in between.  Knowing how to adapt the runway trends can be a challenge even for the most fashionable among us.

Everything seems so extreme it’s hard to know what to do and so you just stay the course and do what you do every day.  I challenge you this season to pick up a new trend, try to adapt it to your style and get in style and on trend for Fall 2009 

Pay attention when you look at photographs and take these 5 clues when looking at the latest trends to be sure that they will work for you.

Fabric Embellishment . Runway trends are rarely street trends.  Fortunately, by the time they get to the retail market, they have been watered down somewhat so the average person can wear it.   Take the trend for Fall09 of Russian Influence.  Notice the entire outfit.  Note not just the fur trim, but all the cording and little extras on the jacket, the hat, the boots, etc.  Fur is a big trend for fall-get something with some fur on it-fake or real-fur is in.

 Fabric Texture. Here is another example of extreme runway trends.  This photo shows the fabrics to pay attention to.  Velvet and damask are going to be popular trends for fall and especially holiday.  You’ll be seeing velvet bustiers, velvet pants, jackets and vests.

 

 

 Shoes.  Don’t just look at the outfit, pay attention to the shoes that are with the outfit.  Here you see a metallic dress with slouchy boots.  “Slouchy, oversized looks are an emerging trend. You’ll see this with the coccon jacket as well.  Two important trends this season.

 

 

 

 

 
Accessories.  Hats will be strong again this season.  Note the leather, vest, oversized glasses.  All of these are continuing trends this fall 2009.

 

 

 

 

Fabric Pattern.  Always pay attention to the pattern detail in fabrics.  Impressionist detail is an emerging trend that you will see carried over into jewelry with a cameo ring, brooch, etc.

 

 

 

 

The trick is not to get caught up in the “over the top” detail that the designers create.  It is their artistic interpretation of what is happening in the world. 

Take a piece of the current fashion, be it in your color, fabric texture, detail or even embellishment in your shoe and you are sure to be on trend  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, Trends, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

A Peek at Fall Trends

June 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

I was in Charlotte, NC this past week for a peek at the fall trends.  Yes, I know we aren’t even through the dog days of summer and here I am talking about fall.  It is exciting I will tell you. 

The prevalence of pink is still really big.  Dresses  are still a big fashion trend as well.  Wrap dresses, chemise, shifts, all different styles of dresses are out there.  I’ve been saying it for a couple of seasons-you need to get a dress! 

As usual in the fall, black  and all shades of gray  fill out the suiting categories and the rest of the pallette embodies all the colors of the leaves including rich oranges, greens, reds and browns. 

I am learning how to upload video to YouTube as I have a new “Flip Video” camera .  Hang in there with me as I  journal different aspects of fashion, shopping, trends and education.  It will prove to be an interesting learning experience for all of us.

Get a quick peek at just some of the fall trends!

Fall 2009 Trends

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

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, Fall Trends, Trends Tagged With: , , , , ,

Obsess the Dress

May 29, 2009 By 1 Comment

It has been many years since the dress has been as popular as it is today.  Currently fashion is having an obsession with the dress.  I have said it for the last few years-now is the time to buy a dress if you haven’t already done so. 

Dresses are so feminine and can hide a multitude of sins, but not every dress is the right dress for you.  Do you know how to shop for a dress that will flatter and fit your body line and proportion?  Remember, your goal in dressing is to create the illusion of a perfect shape (the hourglass) through balance and proportion.  This is achieved not only by the shape of the dress but also by varying the color (dark on top and light on bottom or vice-versa). 

Check out the simple tips below to balance your proportions and you will look good and feel great in the latest styles.

If your body line is:

Rectangle (straight) you have little definition between your bust, waist and hip measurements.  A fitted sheath will play up your lines.  Baby-dolls and A-line styles will help create some curves.  Choose dresses that have some detail, embellishments or gathers at the top to add some dimension. Note this dress creates more of a waistline.

Triangle (pear) you are fuller at the hips and bottom and smaller on the top.  Choosing dresses with fitted, open-neck or strapless tops will enhance your upper body and draw the eye upward (away from the hips).  Wearing darker colors on the bottom, lighter on top will create the illusion of more width on top (two-tone), while A-line shapes will help hide a wider hipline.  Be sure to not go too full with the skirt or it will add bulk.  Note this fabric drapes smoothly over the hip area without adding extra width.

Hourglass (figure 8 ) Curves are your asset; you have full bust, hipline and a defined waist.  Choose wraps, and dresses with fitted waists.  The hourglass is a classic, feminine form that can wear many styles.  Focus on drawing attention to your waist.  The wrap dress cinches in the waist while the fabric accentuates curves without hugging them.

Diamond/Circle (apple) Weight is carried around your middle.  There is little or no definition to your waist.  Baby doll and empire waists are best for you.  Take attention away from your middle and allow fabric to drape smoothly down not hugging your mid-section.  Focus on necklines that draw the eye upward to your face.  Often this shape has gorgeous legs, so don’t hide your beautiful gams!  A-line and fuller skirted looks can give the illusion of a more defined waist.  Note this dress falls away from the tummy area and the neckline is open drawing the eye upward.

Inverted Triangle (full bust) you have a well defined bust that is fuller than your hips and bottom.  Select necklines (V and U) that will draw the eye downward for a balanced more slimming look.  Lighter color blocking on the bottom/darker on top will give the illusion a balanced look.  Choosing A-lines and fuller skirts will balance you out and give you a more hourglass appearance.  This neckline and simple fullness at the waist draws the eye down balancing the top to the bottom.

Go and obsess the dress and remember look good, feel great and have fun doing it!

____________________
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: Dresses, Trends Tagged With: , , ,

The Hype on Hosiery

May 5, 2009 By 3 Comments

Last year Charla Krupp published a book called How Not to Look Old. For the most part I agreed with all of the hints on looking “young and hip”. There is one exception though and I believe that she has actually gone on record recanting or revamping her statement. Her YH statement on hosiery was seen as a blanket statement of not wearing nude stockings.

She stated in her book that there is no quicker way to look “OL” (old lady) than to wear thick nude hosiery. While I agree that thick hosiery is very dating, I want to make some observations about hosiery in general. Most women purchase substandard hosiery as a necessity while at the grocery store between tossing in the Kleenex and bar soap. Its texture is stretchy and made out of mesh and doesn’t match closely to their skin tone. This simple fact is the biggest problem with wearing hosiery period.

Most women beyond that age of 30 begin to show signs of stress on their legs through spider veins, bruising or even varicose veins. The only way to minimize the appearance of these often unsightly characteristics is through surgery, makeup, or yes, hosiery. So I ask you to evaluate your own personal situation and assess how your legs really look.

  • Do you have legs that are free of any obvious signs of stress or markings? (Veins, scarring, freckles, etc)
  • Are your legs shaved and well cared for (not dry and scaly)
  • Are they pale or tan?

If you have passed the test above, congratulations! You may be a candidate for baring your legs! Should you choose not to wear hosiery, my recommendation is to check in with what is acceptable in your business. In some corporate, banking, or legal environments, it still may not be perceived as professional to go bare-legged. I like to draw the analogy to men not wearing to-the-knee socks. Do you really want to see their hairy legs when they are crossed?

What are your options when you want to wear hosiery? The current trend is to wear the sheerest of sheer and match your hemline as close as possible. Black is best. If you want to wear nude, wear fishnets but make sure the net is small. Opaque are great in the winter but leave the colors to the younger generation. Stay safe with black, brown, navy and gray; and make sure they are a light weight fabric. Nothing will add more weight than a thick pair of opaque stockings.

So that’s the hype on hosiery for now. I’m sure it will change in another season or two. For now you can go bare but make sure you have invested in a good razor, body lotion and self-tanning cream.

Walk proudly and look good, feel great, and have fun doing it!

____________________
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, Trends, Wardrobe Tagged With: , , ,

Really Cool “Green” Handbags

March 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Honestly, these are the “coolest” handbags that I’ve seen with a really fabulous idea.

Kim White has taken all that “old” vintage automotive fabric (remember the 70′s & 80′s seat inserts) and has unearthed an entire warehouse of unused upholstery fabric.  She uses this fabric to create handbags.  The unique part of your handbag is that the handbag is tagged with the model year and make of the car that it was intended to go to.  She is the sole owner of these fabrics, so I’d guess you better get them while they last! 

They range in price from about $95 to over $120.  Not bad for a cool tool!

 Seem them all a www.KimWhiteHandbags.com

____________________
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: Color, Image, Style, Trends Tagged With: , ,

Trend Watch Spring 2009

February 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Clothing Trends
• Lighter Brights – mimosa (yellow) and lots of pink
• Futuristic Looks (metallics and defined architectural shapes)
• Continuing Feminine Looks (ladylike and retro-styles)
• Military jackets – 80′s look
• Egyptian (hieroglyphics, heavy embellishments-block prints)
• “Boyfriend” jeans, Torn/ripped jeans
• Continuation of high waist pants-relaxed fit
• Sophisticated trench (satin, and luxe fabrics)
Accessory Trends
• Bold and chunky
• Pearls, pearls, pearls
• Layers of chains
• Rhinestones, sequins & bib necklaces
• Gold Cuff
• Drawstring, monogram, large patterned bags
Shoe Trends
• Cage Shoes (more of the Greco Roman influence)
• Heavy Straps
• Flower Power (embellishments as well as pattern)
• Heavy metal-zippers and buckles
• Cut-out booties
Hair Trends
• French Twist (looser at crown- Sarah Palin)
• Bob
• Shag
• Fringe
Makeup
• Bold and sexy (kohl eyes, liquid eyeliner with sleek hair)
• Dewy (contrast with brighter lips and bronzer)
• Pink lips and cheeks for every skintone

____________________
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, Spring Trends, Trends Tagged With:
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