Limping Along

Several weeks ago, I injured my ankle and have been nursing it back with limited success.  The injury is severe enough that I've been wearing a gray plastic rigid brace for the past several weeks.  I decided to include that in this note because wearing a brace and presenting a pulled-together confident look can present a challenge.  Yesterday, after days of wearing one single pair of black flats built for comfort not style I couldn't take it any longer.  I substituted a more flexible black elastic brace and slid my feet into a sandal with a bit of a heel. 

I need to confess that it was a bad choice.  My ankle didn't feel good throughout the day and neither did I.  Needless to say, as a result, while I intended to be a bit more stylish and confident I achieved the opposite. I was uncomfortable in my clothes all day long.

Today, I'm back to less stylish flats and the rigid brace, and I feel better already.  Lesson learned.  Style extends to grace and confidence even when a body part it encased in rigid gray plastic!

Hot Color Combos -- Just in Time for Hot Weather Wear

Let your style savvy boil over with these hot color combos for summeR:

• Gray and red.  For a dramatic look, link dark red against gray. Go for a cheerier look by linking gray with a bright red.  Looking for other ideas?  Red also pairs with plum, navy and white.
• Tan and orange.  Citrus and khaki are made to go together for a relaxed, comfortable look. Orange can link up with olive, brown and navy, too.
• White and yellow.  Yellow adds just enough punch to take a monochromatic look for hot to sizzling. You also can pair yellow with khaki, gray and navy. 
• Navy and turquoise.  Let a bit of turquoise brighten up your navy.  Turquoise also is a great match for yellow, brown and gray. 

Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

Selecting shoes is an art form unto itself.  Select the wrong shoe and if can detract from an otherwise pulled-together look. 

If you are petite, matching the tone of your shoes to your tights, hosiery or bottom layer can help elongate your legs. Beware of heels that are too high.  They tend to make you look off-balance.  If you're going for flats, look for styles that have a slight bit of heel rather than those that are dead flat.
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Wearing the highest heels you can manage, as long as they are in balance with your outfit (high, high heels and short, short skirts are out of balance).  Before you go too high, make sure you can walk in them.  Wobbling along on heels is not the way to go for safety or for presenting a confident look. Boots that come to the knees can be a good choice; mid-calf boots will tend to make you look stubby. Square-toed shoes are not your best choice, either. They make your legs look heavy and boxy.

And. last but least, look for shoes made of leather or other breathable materials -- not man-made.  They will help keep your feet healthy.

Regardless of your body shape or the shoe styles you select, make sure they fit well.  And, just like your wardrobe pieces, there are some options to alter your shoes if you love them but they need to fit a bit better. Your local shoe repair shop can stretch your leather shoes in almost any area where you need a bit more room, and some heels can be lowered.  If the soles are a bit thin, ask about having a better sole affixed.

And, don't forget. Your shoes need TLC, too.  Check them regularly for run-down heel caps and other signs of wear.  Visiting your shoe repair shop early with them can greatly extend their life.  Last tip.  It's best to not wear the same pair of shoes multiple days in a row.  Allowing them time to breath between wearings also helps extend their life.

The Mane Thing

Personal style is not limited to wardrobe and accessories.  Your hair plays an important part, too, and you want to adopt a hair style that works for you and is simple and easy to do at home. As a rule of thumb, I try not to adopt any hair routine that takes more than 15 minutes in the morning to put in "from the salon" order and one that also can go out with less than 15 minutes when I'm pressed for time.

Back to the "from the salon" look.  If you can't accomplish at home what your stylist can do in the salon, be sure to talk with him or her about what you can do to improve your techniques.  For me, I use a dryer stand to give me two hands and I have a selection of brushes and combs to work with.  If that sounds like overkill, let me share this with you.

After truly a couple of years of struggling to try to get the same movement and finish on my style that my stylist always turns out, I recently remarked to her that I can generally get the shape she accomplishes in the salon but not the finish, she pulled out the two different types of brushes she uses when she does my hair and told me which she uses for the shape and which she uses for the finish.  I had both types at home and pulled out the "finishing" brush for my next attempt.   Voila!  After lots of disappointments in my ability to finish my hair, when I used the proper tool it worked! 

For the best effort, if you don't have a hair stylist that you visit regularly, think about finding one that is both capable and willing to work with you to help you adapt your hair to the look you want and who is willing to show you how to get the best results at home.  After all, it's in the stylists best interest to have you hit the streets with a great looking "do" everyday.  You're their walking advertisement.

Head for the Alter

If having your clothing tailored or altered is not a part of your regular practices, don't overlook it as an imporant component of your style and your wardrobe activities.  As much as many of us would like to be able to pull pieces off the rack and have them fit perfectly and cling and hang in all the right places, the reality is that virtually none of us should expect that to happen.  Let's face it.  The models you see on magazine covers, runways, TV, etc., are airbrushed and pinned, taped and clipped together to get their looks of perfection.

If you don't have the skills to alter yourself, invest a bit of time to find someone who can help you make some minor and/or some major revisions to clothes in your closet that no longer fit and to new pieces that need a tweak to make them perfect additions for you.

National Velvet

Expect to see velvet on the fashion scene for next fall and winter.  It's soft drape, plush finish and overall efeeeling of elegance make it a sure bet for fashion that is trending back toward femininity.  And, don't overlook the possibility of integrating velvet into your everyday where with just a touch added to collars or cuffs or added design.

Fancy Pants Coming in June

Laid-back and glitzy are being married in June when a new line of jeans debut.  Designed by Serge Aria of Current/Elliot and Consuelo Castiglioni of Marnie, the denim jeans come in a variety of styles from relaxed-fit to the current hot "boyfriend" trend in jeans and jackets (the word is don't look for skinny here) and all are embellished with intricate and beautiful embroidery designs.

These jeans are expected to drop into the market in June with a price that will range from around $180 to $500.  Look for them at Saks Fifth Avene, Neiman Marcus and Barneys. 

Down Under

Never underestimate the importance of undergarments! They are the foundation of style. A great fitting undergarment (translate “bra”) is the start to great style. Just like Master Card – never leave home without it. The proper bra keeps “the girls” inside your silhouette when you are being viewed full front and it “hikes” them up away from your ribcage to help create your waistline. And, the best news is that a proper-fitting bra is not only flattering but it is comfortable to wear. If you’ve been struggling with that, you might want to shop for your next bra in a lingerie boutique or in lingerie departments of some of the better department stores in the area and use the services of a professional fitter that they provide. Extra bonus: For a limited time, Vanity Fair lingerie is offering an Alex and Ani Zodiac Charm Bangle featuring your sign with your Vanity Fair purchase of $50 or more. You can find a nearby Vanity Fair retailer at VanityFairLingerie.com. The promotion is a mail-in promotion that remains available while supplies last. Receipts and your name, address, and choice of zodiac sign go to Vogue Promotion Department, Attn: Rachael Cohn, 4 Times Square, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10036.

Have a Fit

If "Location. Location. Location." is the mantra for real estate, the mantra for style is "Fit. Fit. Fit."  A key component of style is proper fit.  Even the chicest, most expensive wardrobe piece won't look good if it doesn't fit properly.

Try every item on before buying.  There should be no gaps, no pulls, no cling in the wrong places, and no drapes in the wrong places.  No one is built to wear every style and every clothing manufacturer cuts their patterns a bit differently. Buy by fit -- not by size

Getting a good fit makes style easy and comfortable to wear all day every day.

Print It

If you have been reluctant to incoporate prints into your daily wardrobe, now is the time to take the plunge. There is a wonderful array of prints out there -- ranging from bold to animal to dainty.  A print dress layered with a jacket is a wonderful look.  Ditto some of the great print patterned accessories.  Feeling a little emboldened?  Despite what you may have heard, prints can be mixed with other prints, ala Laura Ashley, and with other patterns, such as dots and stripes.  Just remember the basic rules.  Looking to play it safe?  Try selecting a print and pairing it with two separate pieces in different textures, each in a different color from the print. At the end, you are going for balance and when mixing unlike elements together only one thing can really dominate -- everything else plays a supporting role.

Yellow is the New White

Lots of butter and sunshine ahead as we head into summer 2010.  Yellow is the new white.  Wear it hot with color or tame it down by pairing it with white. Regardless of how you handle it, to spring your wardrobe fully into spring.  If, like me, yellow is a color that you love that doesn't love you, don't despair.  Add yellow to your wardrobe with accessories that carry the day.

Necklines – Selecting One That’s For You

The shape of your face is the key to selecting the neckline that enhances your overall look. The goal is to create an illusion of a more oval-shaped face. Here’s how:

Round Face

If you’re face is round you want to select a neckline that helps elongate it. The round face needs something to elongate the vertical focus. Often, round faces come packaged in bodies that are also heavier-set and rounded. Therefore, you want to choose collars that are deeper than they are wide. These include v-necks, shirt/blouse collars, Queen Anne necklines and Empire necklines. You can even reinforce the appearance of the elongated neckline by combining looks such as the shirt collar look with a jacket, making a very deep “V” shape to make a stronger vertical line.

Long Face

If your face is relatively long, you want to select a neckline that can help you create a horizontal focus. Look for shallow necklines that keep the focus up and across. The cowl, bateau, portrait and Sabrina neckline are made for you.

Angular Face

If your face is angular, you want to add a bit of curve to soften your look. Shop for sweetheart, Sabrina, scoop and cowl necklines.

Oval Face

If you’re face is oval, you have the luxury of selecting almost any neckline you wish, including bared shoulders and neck, knowing that it will help balance and flatter you.

And, if you have some items in your wardrobe that, on reflecting, may not offer the most flattering neckline for your, don’t overlook the option of adding jewelry or scarf to modify the lines from what you have to what you want.

Wardrobe Basics 101 for Hour-Glass Shapes

Hour-glass body? You’re closet should have one of each:

1. Straight leg jeans or skinny jeans. Look for jeans the fit your hips and thighs and make a straight line down to your feet. Jeans that are baggy up top and skinny at the ankles will not flatter your figure. And jeans that are tight fitting up top and flare out at the bottom will not accentuate your good curves. Select a rise that comes just below the waist. Anything lower will create the wrong shape, thus not bringing out the best of your figure.

2. Black pants and white pants. Use the same the same fit rules above as you should for jeans and use these versatile wardrobe pieces for everything.\

3. Slim fitting Blazer. Look for a blazer that comes to right below your waist and then plan to wear this piece with virtually everything you own.

4. Stretch poplin shirt. This is your “go everywhere” shirt. It’s both stylish and sexy.

5. Pencil Skirt. The pencil skirt was designed with your body shape in mind. It hugs in all the right places. Look for a high-waisted cut if your waist if you have a slight roll above the belt line. For your best look and the most flexibility with this item, look for a hemline that hits just at or just below the knees.

6. A Little Black Dress. Buy this “can’t go wrong item” in a slim-fitting material that “clings” in all the right places for you.

7. Shirt that Nip In at the Waist. Your waist is smaller than your chest and hips – make the most of it. Be sure your shirts nip in at the waist. The blousy look is not your best.

8. Tank tops. Tank tops, camisoles and tube tops look super on your body type. Layer them with a belt and, as appropriate, cover bare arms and shoulders with a sweater or jacket that comes right to your waistline.

9. Shoes. With your figure you can wear just about any kind of shoe. Just remember that ballet flats can make your legs look short if paired with skirts and dresses.

Wardrobe Basics 101 for Apple Shapes

Apple-shaped body? You’re closet should have one of each:

1. Straight leg jeans or Boot Cut jeans. –You want jeans that fit you in the thigh make a straight line all the way to your ankles – you’re going for loose or slightly flared around the ankle here. Look for a rise that comes just below the waist. You can experiment with low-rise jeans. How they will look depends on your size.

2. Black pants and white pants. These are both essential. These pants should have the same fit as your jeans – straight. No curves. No contours.

3. Slim fitting Blazer. A great fitting blazer in any color or material is a must-have. It wears over anything and goes anywhere. Look for a cut that lets the blazer hit you right at your waistline.

4. Stretch poplin shirt. Man-tailored, long-sleeved and button down. It’s your “wear anywhere” shirt, For your body shape, you should avoid jackets that come right to the waist. Make sure you buy a great fitting blazer jacket that comes in at the waist to give the allusion of an hour glass figure.

5. A-Line Skirt. Women with an apple figure look great and well balanced in an A-line skirt. The skirt flares out at the knee to balance out your large chest. This will help you achieve the look of an hour glass figure. Make sure the skirt fall just below or right at the knee.

6. A Little Black Dress. An essential is every woman’s closet. Your black dress should have an a-line skirt for the best balance.

7. Shirts with Scoop Neckline. Because your chest is much larger than your waist and hips, you want to deemphasize that. Choose shirts that have a scoop neckline and plain fronts. If you have too much “going on” like ties or prints on your shirt, you are going to look bulk

8. Wrap Tops – Since you have larger breasts, you want to make sure they are fully supported. Never wear shirts without a bra. Halter tops are not for you. Stick to beautiful wrap tops or shirts with built in support bras to help lock and load the girls. Be careful how low your v-neck shirts go. I recommend wearing a scoop neck camisole underneath your shirts that have plunging necklines. And never wear cropped shirts!

9. Shoes! – You are free to wear almost any style of shoe. However be careful with shoes that make your feet look small. If your feet look small, that will make you look top heavy.

Wardrobe Basics 101 for Pear Shapes

Pear-shaped body? You’re closet should have one of each:

1. Straight leg jeans or Boot Cut jeans. –You want jeans that fit you in the thigh/butt/hip area and make a straight line all the way to your ankles – you’re going for loose around the ankle here. Look for a rise that comes just below the waist or right to the waist. Low rise jeans aren’t a plus for you. You can score with relaxed fit jeans, too.

2. Black pants and white pants. These are both essential. These pants should have the same fit as your jeans – straight. No curves. No contours.

3. Slim fitting Blazer. A great fitting blazer in any color or material is a must-have. It wears over anything and goes anywhere. Look for a cut that lets the blazer hits you right below your waistline to help diminish the roundness in your silhouette.

4. Stretch poplin shirt. Man-tailored, long-sleeved and button down. It’s your “wear. For your body shape, you should avoid jackets that come right to the waist. You want a jacket that comes to about 5 or 6 inches from your belly button. Make sure you buy a great fitting blazer jacket that comes in at the waist to give the allusion of an hour glass figure.

5. Flared Skirt. Women with a pear shaped figure look great and well balanced in a flared skirt. The skirt flares out at the knee to balance out your large hips. This will help you achieve the look of an hour glass figure. A pencil skirt also will do you proud.

6. A Little Black Dress. An essential is every woman’s closet. Your should not be tight and body hugging, instead a style with a skirt that flares out at the knees will look great on you.

7. Shirts and Blouses. Because your chest is much smaller than your waist and hips, you want to bulk up your top a bit. If you have small breasts, consider a padded bra or silicone inserts to achieve a fuller looking chest. That will balance out the width of your hips and give you more of an hour glass figure. Choose shirts that are loose and blousey and have exotic prints or embellishments. You want to draw attention to your chest and mid section and away from your hips and posterior.

8. Vertical-Striped Shorts – Vertical lines will lengthen your appearance and that will draw attention away from your hips and thighs. Be careful that the lines look STRAIGHT. If they curve with your curves, buy a bigger size Shorts that will look best on you would come right to your knee or right above the knee.

9. Shoes. Lucky you. You have a wide range of shoe styles to work with. Watch the ballet flats. They will shorten and widen your legs unless they are paired with slacks or jeans.

Wardrobe Basics 101 for Round Shapes




Round body? You’re closet should have one of each:



1. Trouser Jeans. No more baggy or pleated jeans for you! Buy jeans the fit your hips and thighs and make a straight line down to your feet. Black and White Pants with straight lines.

2. Black or Beige Pants. These are essential. If you lean to white slacks, be sure to select slacks that follow the fit hips and thighs and fall straight to the your feet.

3. Fitted Blazer – A great fitting blazer in any color or material is a must-have. It wears over anything and goes anywhere. Look for a cut that lets the blazer hit you right below your waistline to help diminish the roundness in your silhouette.

4. Stretch poplin shirt. Man-tailored, long-sleeved and button down. It’s your “wear anywhere” shirt.

5. Straight Line Skirt. You will look best in a straight line skirt. The width at the waist of the skirt should be almost the same width as the hem at the bottom. Choose a material that holds its own shape. Soft, slinky materials don’t work here for you. Stay solid and neutral in color for the best versatility.

6. A Little Black Dress. The little black dress is a must-have, regardless of body shape. Yours is best with a v-neck or a cross-over wrap-style top, a well-defined waistline. and a slighty flared or straight-line skirt.

7. Shirts That Define Your Waistline – Shirts that crossover at the waist are a plus for your. Pair them with fitted skirts or slacks and add a belt to help reduce your roundness and define your waistline.

8. Trouser Shorts. Look for shorts that come just to or just below your knees to help smooth out some of your round look. Unless you are at least 5’ 5” tall, capris are not for you. And, always look for shorts with straight legs. Add a cuffed hem and it will help balance our your fuller upper body.

9. Wedges and espadrilles. They have enough fullness to balance your shape. Be careful with ballet flats and loafers – they can make your legs look short unless they are paired with long pants or jeans. . For the “long-leg” look, try stilettos – just shop carefully to get a comfortable fit that you can wear all day. The secret is in the toe box – make sure the toe box is right for the shape of your foot.

Wardrobe Basics 101 for Athletic Slim Shapes

Athletic, slim body? You’re closet should have one of each:

1. Flared or Skinny Jeans – preferably with a low or medium rise.

2. Black and White Pants with straight lines. These great neutrals provide an infinite mix and match for your personal color palette.

3. Slim-Fitting Blazer. This is your “wear anywhere” piece. It works with jeans, slacks, skirts and dresses. Wear it open or button just the button at the waist for a bit of curve.

4. Stretch poplin shirt. Man-tailored, long-sleeved and button down. It’s your “wear anywhere” shirt.

5. Straight Line Skirt. You will look best in a straight line skirt. The width at the waist of the skirt should be almost the same width as the hem at the bottom. Choose a material that holds its own shape. Soft, slinky materials don’t work here for you. Stay solid and neutral in color for the best versatility.

6. A Little Black Dress. The little black dress is a must-have, regardless of body shape. Yours is best with a v-neck or halter top and a skirt that flares slightly or leans toward an a-line shape.

7. Shirts That Define Your Waistline – Shirts that are cinch in at the waist, tie at the waist, or otherwise add curve to your straightline body are your best bet.

8. Button-Cuff Shorts. While you probably can get by wearing whatever style shorts you want, shorts with button cuffs will add an “I’m confident and city-stylish” statement to your otherwise casual look

9. Ballet flats. These trendy shoes will look great with your skinny jeans. For the “long-leg” look, try stilettos with skirts, shorts and capris – just shop carefully to get a comfortable fit that you can wear all day. The secret is in the toe box – make sure the toe box is right for the shape of your foot.

Follow Fashion to Update Your Personal Style

While every fashion trend may not be for you, following fashion trend is a great way to update your wardrobe and style without a terrific outlay of cash.  If you've invested well in your wardrobe in the past, updating may be as simple a pulling out a long-ago treasured item that passed out of style some years ago only to re-emerge as "new" again this year.

Here are some "new" trends that you may be able to incorporate directly or to modify for incorporation into your look this spring:

• Wire cage motifs.  They go anywhere.  Shoes, Jewelry. Clothing cut-outs.
• More traditional, structured jackets and toppers.  If you want to go toward man-tailored jackets, you can soften them by placing them in a monochrome look, or, if you opt for black soften if by rolling up the sleeves to give it a more relaxed look. (Harper's Bazaar says that boleros are out but I'm seeing them on racks everywhere.  Unless the style is just right for your style and shape, investing in one right now may not be your best bet.
• Sexy shoes with ropes, chains and plenty of other detail that draws the eye toward your ankle.  If you opt for the "caged" look, be sure that it does "cut off" your leg at the ankle to make your legs look short and stubby. There's no reason to go sexy and then not be able to totally pull it off.
• Bohemian jeans.  That means tears or shreds in strategic places on jeans that are worn as though they were just shrugged on at the last minute without a thought to look achieved.
• Shimmer and sparkle.  It goes at necklines, hemlines and all over.  If you opt for a bit of sparkle at work, just make sure it's just a touch and not too overwhelming. 
• City shorts in place of too tight, too short cut-offs.
• Chunky accessories.  Just be sure to go for the balance. 

Don't Shy Away from Something Different

Establishing a personal style and then keeping it fresh is about trying new things that mesh with the established you.  It's also about breaking a few ruls along the way as you keep tru to your individuality  I'm lucky. Years ago a genius boss I had told me I could always break the rules as long as I knew what rules I was shattering and could explain my reason for doing so

What’s Up with Precious and Semi-Precious When it Comes to Jewelry?

Only three gemstones are designated as Precious Stones. Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald and Precious because in addition to being valuable they are rare to find with the proper mix of color and clarity. Other, more common stones are known as semi-precious, and the range and array of stones in that category is breathtaking. In fact, don’t get hung up on the terminology. Today, the stones and metals used to create exquisite jewelry is wider than ever before.

To be sure that you get the most from your jewelry purchases, just follow these guidelines:

• Look for quality materials.
• Look for quality construction.
• Look for uniqueness.

Great jewelry is a lifetime investment. Choose wisely, and even if you “park” an item for a year or two, it can come back out and still work with your style and your wardrobe. Twenty-five years ago, I bought a quirky snake necklace that I wore all the time over several years and then it was parked. Just this past weekend, I pulled it out, cleaned it thoroughly and started to plan where it goes in my wardrobe. No lie. The next day I sat down the look at some of the newest hot jewelry trends and I swear, my snake necklace jumped off the magazine page at me. When I bought the snake for $30 twenty-five years ago, the price seemed a bit high but I loved is so. Today, for just over a $1 a year, I’m fully back in style only by pulling an item from the back of my closet. That’s lifetime investment.

Style on Balance

Pulling together a look that looks good on you relies on balance – balance in color, balance in shapes and balance in accent. When adding jewelry to an outfit, balance counts, too. If you opt for big and bold jewelry for a statement, don’t mix that look with delicate jewelry. And, when the jewelry is big and bold, go easy with the color and the lines. Solid color and simple lines help the big and bold be the focal point.

Don’t be afraid to mix metals and stones. It’s A-OK to wear a mix as long as the styles coincide. For example, a simple strand of hematite paired with a single strange of pearls offers a defined look with just a touch of edge. Frankly, I pair those two with a same-thickness omega in silver and one in gold. I think the juxtaposition of opposite colors and opposite metals is modern and it is consistent with the eclectic nature of my being.

Be sure to wear the right length! Choose a necklace that lays just below the collarbone when pairing it with a deeper cut neckline. Wearing strapless? Go with a choker. Longer length necklaces look best with higher cut necklines – and it goes without saying that if your long necklace ends right where your neckline begins the two don’t balance each other well.

Look for interesting combinations of semi-precious stones and for semi-precious stones with a one-of-a-kind look that only nature can offer. The combinations and patterns are infinite, bounded only by the jewelry designers imagination, and they are a great way to add value to your wardrobe without a bank-breaking investment. Besides, they last forever.

Looking to spice up jewelry pieces you haven’t worn a while? Add a back-of-the-jewelry-box pin as an enhancer for a string of stones and you’ve got a new kicky piece – and the pin doesn’t have to dangle from front and center. Secure it off center – half way between front and center and your collarbone -- for a totally modern look.

Styles Hot Colors for 2010

Knowing what the season’s hot colors are can help you keep your personal style fresh – even when the season’s pick-of-the-crop colors aren’t in your personal color palette. Check out the season’s hot new colors here. They span a wide range, and it is likely that you’ll find one or more that coordinate or contrast well with the colors that love you as much as you love them.

 

Yellow-based colors:

• Turquoise. For the spring, there’s nothing muted or toned down about the green-leaning turquoise that you’ll see featured everywhere.
• Tomato. It’s hot and spicy. ‘Nuff said.
• Coral. If red isn’t your color, look toward coral. It gives the same eye-popping look.
• Violet. The violet we’re seeing tends to be yellow-based and goes well with yellow-based greens and blues.
• Buttery Yellow. This rich sunny color is more versatile than you think. It blends well with both yellow-based and blue-based hues.
• Poppy. Look for hot, rich colors that are just a shade to the middle of tomato and coral.
• Green-Yellow. This great color adds a spring-like feel to your look and it mixes well across your yellow-based palette.
• Puce. Not quite pink. Not quite grey. It’s a quirky color that takes a bit of effort to mix and match well.

Blue-based colors:

• Fuschia. This hot color is the alternative to coral if you’re looking for blue-based shades to blend and contrast with your personal color palette.
• Lavender. Look for the lovely blue-toned lavenders.
• Cobalt Blue. This is that exquisite shade of blue that makes your think of sapphires saturated with sunlight.
• Indigo. Think cobalt blue lightened by diamonds. It’s sparkly and pure.
• Dark Purple. Imagine an eggplant infused with blue overtones. You can’t go wrong with this color. It’s regal.
• Tangerine. This wonderful orangy vibrant color is just “blue” enough to incorporate into your blue-toned wardrobe.
• Mud. Don’t say “yuck.” This vibrant grey color is interesting and versatile

Mix and Match With Yellow-Based or Blue-Based Colors

• Ebony. Look for rich ultra-black colors to add depth to your color schemes.
• Ivory. There are shades of ivory to go well with every skin color and blend with your wardrobe colors. Look at them in natural light to be sure you get the right ivory for you.
• Bright Sky Blue. This blue is the new black. It’s rich, versatile and blends well across the color palette.

Make Your Statement Count

A piece of statement jewelry is a great way to punch up your wardrobe and express your personal style and your mood.  Some of my statement pieces are classy and some are sassy.  Just remember, if you decide to wear a piece of statement jewelry be sure to let it do the talking.  Statement jewelry should be allowed to stand-out as the focal point of your outfit.  Everything else in your outfit. including other jewelry pieces, should be simple, uncluttered to provide a great backdrop for a great piece.

Adopt the 5-30 Rule

If you work outside the house and are pressed for time in the moning, adopt the 5-30 rule to help you consistently step out in style with little fuss. Here's how it works:

Every weekend set aside 30 minutes to assemble 5 complete outfits -- clothing, accessories, shoes and bags -- for the coming week. Set aside a special place in your closet for you "next week" of clothes and place your 5 outfits there. (Be sure to check every item to be sure you didn't miss a spot, tear or missing button that needs attention before wearing.)

Having 5 outfits assembled and ready to go eliminates any guessing, last minute stress or returns to the closet for "something that looks better" when you are trying to get out the door.

The second part of the rule is that no one same combination of outfit components goes out the door a second time unless a minimum of 30 days has past since that combination last was worn. That eliminates falling back on "old faithful" in lieu of planning to step out in style.

It's a Confidence Game

At least 95% of style is confidence. When you step out the door with your pulled-together look it's shoulders back, head up, butt and gut tucked in as much as possible, and a confident lady-like stride.

Pratice can help with the stride. All too often I see well-dressed women either teetering on heels, scuffing along in slides or (yikes!) flip-flops, or taking one big giant manly step where two lady-like steps would be more appropriate. Without telling my ago, when I was growing up I not only had to go to "finishing" classes to learn how to properly rise from a chair and remove my coat, I had to spend a bit of time gliding around a room with a book on my head. I still can hear my mother behind me admonishing me when my gait became too long.  All these year's later, I realize that the way my mother walked into a room is large part of the reason she was always a show-stopper.

Your Style Tool Kit

To help you set your style, be sure your style tool kit is complete. Here's what you need:

• A full-length mirror. Always do a full-lengthy check, front to back, before stepping out the door.
• Iron, ironing board and spray starch. Groan. I know, but many clothing items benefit from a brief starch, press and seam-setting -- it can be the simple thing that sets you apart from the crowd. And, sometimes, carefule as we may be, items coming from the closet need a touch-up. If that's not enough to convince you, ironing also can help your clothing hang properly.
• Stain remover. Use it as quickly as possible after an accident.
• Needle and thread. Remember. No safety pins, no missing buttons, and no saggy hems.
• Lint brush.
• Fabric refresher (Febreze or other brand). My clothing gets sprayed when it comes out of the closet as I assemble my weekly wardrobe on Sunday evening.

You Are the Canvas

Establishing your look and setting your style with consistency is much like painting a picture. You are the canvas and the items you select are the colors and textures you use to complete the picture. Assemble your daily look with this in mind:

Decide on Your Focal Point.  The wardrobe items you select and the way you assemble them can help you focuse the observer's attention where you want it. If you are lucky enough to have a small waistline, a wide belt or ornate belt buckle can draw attention there. Earrings, necklaces and necklines can shift the focus to your face. A great pair of heels or a slit in your skirt can showcase a great pair of legs. Focal points also may be used to hide flaws. A statement necklace against simple lines and color can draw attention from a too-full figure. Just remember. One focal point to an outfit.

Balance. Select wardrobe items that help balance your body and your personality. Balance short legs against jackets that are not too long. Use non-skimpy tops to balance big hips. If you have a hard, lean body, use soft fabrics and lines for balance, and if your body is a bit on the soft side, structure and crispness can help you convey energy and efficiency. Aggressive natures can be softened with softer lines and colors.

Using focus and balance help create the confident style you're looking for.

To Tug or Not to Tug

I never really thought of my dad as a style guru but apparently he was. Years ago his advice to me, after observing a lady exiting a car on the street, was "It you have to tug at your clothing when you stand up or move around, you don't have on the right thing."

He was so right. If there is any tugging or pulling or on-going adjusting necessary to keep you outfit in place, you don't have on the right thing.

Jewelry Basics

Always buy quality jewelry. If the description includes words like gold filled, silver clad or silver plated, the purchase may not be the best investment.

Your basic jewelry wardrobe should include the following items:

• One statement necklace and coordinating earrings.
•  One casual necklace and coordinating earrings.
•  One dressy necklace and coordinating earrings.
•  One dress-up/dress-down (goes anywhere) necklace and coordinating earrings.
•  One casual bracelet that coordinates well with multiple pieces in your wardrobe.
•  One dressy bracelet that coordinates well with multple pieces I n your wardrobe.

Buying jewelry made with semi-precious stones is an excellent way to extend the reach of your wardrobe budget, and the beauty and variety of semi-precious adds depth and interest to your style.

Belting Out Style

Belts help to finish an outfit. Wear them, if your waistline allows. (A heavy waistline can be belted if you're wearing a loose third layer over the belted pieces.)  And, almost anything -- a scarf -- a chain -- can substitute for a true belt. 

If your belt wardrobe is non-existent or needs rejuvenation, here's a good basic list of belts to put you back on the right track:

1.  A 3/4 inch luggage-color leather classic with a simple buckle.  (Buy it a bit wider if you have a bit-wider waistline.)  If you budget only allow one belt, this is the one to buy.
2.  A soft cloth wrap belt in burgundy, mahogany or other rich color that contrasts with and compliments your color palette.
3.  A gold/silver narrow metallic belt.
4.  A black evening rope belt.

Best add-ons to the basic belt wardrobe:

1.  A narrow white leather belt. 
2.  A red belt for accent fun.
3.  An all-purpose natural-colored rope belt.

Individuality + Dress Appropriate = Class

Unless you're Lady Gaga -- or a LG wannabe -- setting and maintaining an individual style is not a license to shock for the value of shock.  The key to true style is the ability to maintain an individual and to be able to be dress-appropriate at the same time.  That adds up to class.

If It Doesn't Add, Subtract

When assembling an  outfit, critically assess each item - including accessories, footwear, hosiery and bag. This is the place to be brutally honest.  Unless each items adds to the others - individually and as the whole, returning even one of your most favorite items to the closet to  shine another day is the way to go.  If it doesn't add, subtract for the plus.

Style High Buying Hint

If you can't think of 3 things any clothing or accessory purchase might mix and match with in your wardrobe -- the purchase is not an investment, it's a whim. Just remember, whims are not all bad. If it's a great piece that you love, and it's consistent with your style, you may be able to make the buy and then shop for the mix and matches you need to convert it to investment.

Don't Say "Buy" for the Wrong Reasons

Don't buy fashion. Buy style - your style.
Don't buy for a singular use. Buy for variety to mix and match.
Don't buy into fads. Buy into adapting fads to suit your own style.
Don't buy into this year's hot colors. Buy YOUR hot colors.
Don't buy price. Buy cost. A $100 item that lasts 10 years cost only $10 a year.
Don't buy an "outfit."  Buy into outfitting your wardrobe with clothing and accessories that mix and match and maintain your personal style.

Abandon the Rainbow

If the colors in your closet reflect one of everything, snagging the "pot o' gold" known as personal style may escape you. None of us look good in every color in the rainbow. For maximum wardrobe power and style, build your wardrobe around neutrals and two core colors.

For example, the two color that compliment my skin tones and coloring are pink and royal blue. They are my core colors and my wardrobe is built around black, white, cream, and pink to blue-based red to blue-based purples to royal blue to teal to turquoise. Virtually every piece mixes and matches with everything else.

Allow yourself one other "odd" color.  Mine is olive.  It goes with cream and can mix with some of the reds and purples when I'm in a quirky mood.   I just try to keep it away from my face - it doesn't reflect well with my skin tone.

For those other colors that don't love you - the "no-nos" - incorporate them into your inventory of accessories. My favorite "no-no" is a screaming yellow handbag.  It pops againt my blues when I'm feeling extra daring and jaunty but want to stay true to my personal style.

Jewelry. Don't Leave Home Without It

Jewelry is the polish in your wardrobe that makes your outfits shine. Jewelry adds variety and changes an outfit with just a change of accessories.

Wardrobing is Integral to Style

Wardrobing (wardrobe building) is a path to establishing and maintaining your personal style. Wardrobing helps you make wise clothing investments, increases your wardrobe versatility, and allows you express your sense of style every day with minimal effort.

Fashion and Style

Fashion is on the runway. Style is on you. Style is taking ideas from the runway and customizing them to suit you, your lifestyle and your budget.

Helen's Style High Advice

You don't have to spend a million dollars to look like a million bucks. Buy quality. Select carefully. Clean, mend, and press -- no safety pins. Accessorize always. Step out with confidence.  That was my mother, Helen's advice.

Helen, was not drop-dead gorgeous but she was a show stopper.  She had style. When she walked into a room, for a nano-second everything stopped and all eyes went her way.  I'm not sure she actually realized she was a show stopper. It was just Helen's style. She always was well-groomed, well-dressed and well-accessorized. Everything went together and it went with her. Her wardrobe reflected her individuality, her poise and her confidence. Helen definitely was style high.