Wake Up Your Wardrobe

Working Together

2010-04-13T13:01:00.000-04:00

I had collected up many single pieces over the time I decided to wake up my wardrobe. Some of them are worn alot but several have sat around being barely used. Even though I figured I would grab for it alot, strangely enough this jacket sees alot of my closet's walls:

As I pondered the status of my tops, I wanted a black and white polo-type piece that I could dress up with a solid colored scarf. I scoured the stores searching for something that would be fun and found this one. After the day I donned it with a red scarf and was asked where my gondola was parked, it was promptly parked in my closet:

Around January, I had the idea of needing more red in my wardrobe. Shaking off the winter blahs, getting that pop of brightness, the color of love....... I picked up this pretty little thing, which, sad to say, doesn't see much love:

One pleasure I indulge in is being pampered at Kimbereley's A Day Spa in Latham. You check in, wait while sitting in the overstuffed chair, sipping tea with lemon, looking at fashion magazines. Sometimes they even serve fresh baked cookies. Ahhhh - Kimbereley's.... While waiting for a haircut and flipping through Vogue, I spotted the picture of a runway look that I had all the pieces for. It layered a black and white striped shirt, a red sweater, and a tan blazer. Sound familiar? The lightbulb went on immediately and I tried it out the next day. See how the individual pieces work together to tame the zany lines, harness the boldness of the red, and liven up the bland, neutral tan:

The look works well for me. I feel really good in it. I wear dark wash jeans and black flats and carry a silver toned purse. So, if you have some stuff that just doesn't get worn very much, try making them work together!

Gotta go right now...

2010-04-06T12:16:00.000-04:00

If you are needing to run out quick but haven't put yourself together yet, there are a few things you can do to look like you did.

Put on solids - solid colored pants and a solid colored top. This is sleek and clean looking.
Select a printed flat. No sneakers!
Pop on a pair of sunglasses. Even the lightest colored ones will mask a face that hasn't been made up.
Wear lipstick. This will help you more than you can know.
Grab the big purse to keep everything you have to lug around in one place.
Pull the hair up or spray it back. And a few loose tendrils are good.

So when you gotta run out the door pretty quick, you can be ready quick and pretty!

I LOVE that outfit

2009-08-23T06:36:00.001-04:00

I have had a life changing experience over the last month. It was totally unexpected and I wouldn't have believed it if it hadn't happened to me. What could I possibly be talking about? What wondrous event brought on such passion?

I got (drum roll..... dtdtdtdtdtdtdtdtdtdtdtdtdtdtdt .....spshshhhhh...!) an iPhone.

Yes, I know, it sounds kind of ridiculous. I am not a big techie type. I heard others say how great these phones were... bla bla bla. And what on earth does this have to do with waking up my wardrobe.... well, it has alot to do with it!

There is an app called Touch Closet that has changed everything. You take pics of whatever you want in the app, save them in categories, and have it remember outfits. When you shop, you have your entire wardrobe in there. No more double buying anything. Really like what you are wearing? Save the outfit. REALLY like the outfit? Make it a favorite. You can even log when and where you wore what. It's fabulous!

So, you iPhone and iTouch people, try this app! It makes organizing your closet a pleasure!!

Trendy stuff

2009-08-08T08:54:00.002-04:00

I know it is almost impossible to keep up with the style trends. You have different looks from season to season. Most runway looks are on the impractical side, if not totally inappropriate. And it can get really expensive to keep up with, to say the least!

One thing that can be done that is practical and doesn't have to melt your credit card is to pull out some of the seasonal colors that are being splashed all over the models. Yellow has been coming up but THE in-vogue colors this fall are medium greens, dark purples, and orange. Yes, I said it...orange is making it's mark in fashion.

This makes me think of Elle Woods' statement on Legally Blonde: "...whoever said that orange is the new pink must have been seriously demented." Orange is definatly a strong color that has to be worn carefully. Afterall, we don't want to walk around looking like we just left Linus in the pumpkin patch or are trying to escape from the county jail.

All kidding aside, you can bring these bright colors into your wardrobe without having them overtake your presence. One way to do that is through accessories. Find a purse or a neck scarf with the shade of choice. Take a look at these pretty bangles which would give a pop of the color:

Another thing to try is getting the strong color in a tee shirt and having it peek through underneath a blazer or low cut top. I did see a model wearing an orange, fitted top (like a tee shirt) and paired it with a black and white skirt and wore a black belt around the waist of the shirt, which cut the large line of orange into two sections and helped tone it down. It actually didn't look that bad!

If you are at all interested in popping on some of the season's bold colors, try adding a hint of the shade to what you've got and see how it goes. You may find some refreshment by stepping out of your style routine.

Summer break

2009-08-02T21:20:00.003-04:00

After a little break from the blog world, I have a number of things to catch up with you. I have been working like mad on my wardrobe and jewelry collection. One gets to be pretty savvy about what is good and what isn't after paying attention to style for a while.

Some things are solid basics that you can "take to the bank". One of these is that you can't miss with solid colors. If you are working on a color palette, your colors are solid, not patterened or multi-toned. The same thing works on the body. Choose no more than 3 colors to work with and you will look polished and put together every time. You can start out with a neutral or base (like black, grey, tan, white) and build on it with one color and then accent it with it's complement. It's a good formula to remember when you just don't know what to wear.

What are your favorite color combinations?

Silver

2009-07-10T07:22:00.003-04:00

Gold. Silver. Pewter. Bronze. Nickel. Copper. Who can resist the shiny metals? Whether it is hammered and rough or buffed until glassy, jewelry wouldn't be the same without it. I have always been a gold tone fan. I like the warmth it gives. It goes with my color palette. Recently, silver has been popping up in my accessory stash. Here'e the latest:

I really liked the different details on this piece. It hugs close to the neck and then drops down to hold the big pendant. Paired up with blues or purples, it is a fabulous accessory. Found it at Kohls for under $10.

Silver. It's not just for Christmas anymore!

Chilly summer day

2009-07-04T11:08:00.002-04:00

When it's summertime, the one thing I want to do is wear shorts! Now that I have a couple pairs of boy-shorts in my arsenal, I am ready to put them to work. For the last month, the weather hasn't been all that balmy so the shorts have been the last thing to grab from the closet.

The way I work around feeling the chill is by bulking up on top.

These fabulous shorts have a bunch of colors running through them. I decided to play off of the orange and chose a sweater that has that summer color in it. The mottled effect of the orange, red, and creme looks fabulous with the shorts! Let's not forget that orange is the complimentary color to blue, which is the base tone in the makeup of the shorts! It all comes together nicely, doesn't it?!!!

Simple and effective

2009-06-26T07:50:00.003-04:00

So it's dress-down day at work and you throw open the doors of your closet and look at the mass of clothing in there you have to choose from. Where to start - where to start. Jeans is an absolute must. That's a given! The top is the statement maker today. Long sleeve, short, print, sweater..........

Sometimes the simple choice is the most effective choice.

The classic, crisp white shirt is always a good choice. This one has some really pretty details. The ruffling down the front does a nice job at accenting the pretty V-neck. The empire waist band draws the eye to the narrow waist, while the horizontal panels below it give the suggestion of long and lean. I prefer to cuff up the long sleeves to make the placement of the wrist jewelry more noticeable. White cotton is cool in the summer and if you layer with it, you can stay toasty warm on those colder days. Put on some cute metallic shoes, or a tan pump or sandal (if you have kept up on your pedicure) and finish it off with the right purse, you are ready to go!

Looking put together doesn't have to be complicated. Find a crisp, white shirt that fits right (try on alot of them to find one) and use it over and over again.

Well dressed

2009-06-22T21:41:00.001-04:00

pets!

A season to . . .

2009-06-16T07:29:00.004-04:00

wear layers!

It is the middle of June. One would tend to believe that summer has come and the hot weather is here. That is sooo not the case. Mornings are tainted with a chill and by the afternoon, those temps have risen to a short and tee shirt sort of place. We are still needing to wear our coats.

I found some really fabulous coats this year. Wearing solid colors in your main outfit lets you wear coats of colors on the outside. Target was my first score with a blue and cream coat. And it was on clearance. Fashion at a bargain - Oh the joy!

Outer wear can be dull or, preferably, top off a look perfectly. Don't be afraid to wear a print. Layer away with the coat of your choice!

Getting in

2009-06-12T07:44:00.005-04:00

Taking my own advice, I started looking for plaid shorts in the stores. Since I didn't have any shorts that were presentable enough to wear outside the confines of my house, I wanted to pick up a few for the summer. Here's what I got so far. I found them at Walmart. The longer ones come in a variety of color combinations. I think I'll be getting another pair of them in the pretty pink print! Being a fan of denim, I also would like to find some decent looking jean shorts, and then I should be good to go.

The great thing about the plaid print is it goes with so many of those solid tees you already have in your closet. I was skeptical about these, but after wearing the first pair, I was hooked! So, are you in?

Color bursts

2009-06-09T07:53:00.003-04:00

One of the most useful things you can use when compiling an outfit is your knowledge of color combinations. What colors say Christmas? Red and green. How about Easter? Yellow and purple. These are complimentary colors to each other. The most pleasing to the eye. Marketers know how to use them to the hilt.

When you dress, you are marketing, well... you. So use color to enliven your look. Today I have a base of black on with a top that has a black, white and electric blue printed design on it. My accessories (necklance, bracelet and purse) will be coral. Why? Coral is in the orange family and orange is the compliment of blue. The accessories will only be a spot of the opposite here and there. Not taking over, just complimenting what is already established.

The color wheel above was found on wikipedia and is quite extensive. Find your main color on the wheel and then look at the opposite side to determine it's compliment. Try it out - it works!

Skinny jeans

2009-06-07T21:17:00.010-04:00

I noticed "skinny" jeans coming back into the stores as a hot look last year. It is true that these skin tight pants were very popular in the 70s and 80s. If you needed a friend to help you zip up your jeans with a pair of pliers, all the better.

Grunge and oversized clothes knocked them off their throne for a couple of decades. It was a challenge to find pants that weren't baggy or relaxed or carpenter. It was nice to know how to sew back then - taking in the seams did the trick. But just like anything, nothing is new under the sun. Baggy is out and slim fits are ba-ack.

Skinny jeans are worn by many tv and movie stars. A thin person can pull them off with ease. With the right stuff on top, almost anyone can wear them. Darker wash jeans will hide many woes, like the pair in the picture I found at Zappos.com. Spanx helps too! Just make sure the tops you wear with them are not snug. Do some color layers for interest, and wear a long v-neck sweater or button shirt over them. Or do a nice top with a blazer. The movement of the looser top will balance out the tighter pants. Pop on some fabulous boots or shoes and you're ready to go to town!

You can spend alot of cash on these. Try looking in discount stores or places like Marshalls or TJ Maxx first. That is what I did to find mine for under $25!

Getting in . . .

2009-06-05T21:56:00.007-04:00

Summer is in the air and shorts are in the stores. You will never guess what the trend is this year.

Golf plaid... grandpa print... boy shorts. Yes, plaid shorts for us girls is what is hot this summer. All the stores have them: Kohl's, Boscov's, Wal Mart, Aeropostale, Land's End, Pac Sun, to name a few. They come in short to knee lengths and pair it with a solid color top and a ballet flat or a pretty flip flop, you should be good to go.

No raiding your honey's closet for these, they have to fit your curves! So, what do you think? Are you in?

What does this ...

2009-06-04T17:56:00.004-04:00

have to do with anything?

Your face is an accessory. I know that sounds kind of cold and impersonal. But, if you take the time to shape your eyebrows, it will be time well spent. Properly shading them with eye shadow helps too, but having the correct arch and length can really make a difference in how your face looks to the rest of the world.

So when it comes to accessorizing, pluck your brows! Trim the hair so it is short and neat! Highlight with light and dark eye-shadow powders! You will be happy you took the time to do it!

What is black and white and red in the middle...

2009-06-03T07:21:00.004-04:00

A good looking outfit. That's what!

This was totally inspired by a picture of what Carmen Diaz wore a few months back. I started with finding the paisley tee (Kohls), picked up the red belt on clearance (Kohls), had the grey jeans (Penneys) but have also worn Calvin Klein skinny jeans with it (Marshalls), put some shine on my feet with the silver ballet flats (Payless), kept it clean with the patent white clutch (Boscovs) and topped it off with the red scarf as a headband (thrift store).

The black - white - red combination is an old classic. You will look sharp in it.

Shop confidently

2009-06-02T07:45:00.006-04:00

Sometimes when you walk into a clothing store, let's face it, it can be overwhelming. Shopping should be fun, not a chore!

The thing that helps me is to know what I am looking for. Maybe it is a certain color that I want to get, or a certain fit. There is so much to choose from, I take the time trying things on. Short on time? Know the store's return policy.

You can get a plan by looking at pictures of outfits in magazines or on web sites. I started doing this after seeing a show that was on a long time ago called The Look for Less. Whenever I would get a mail order clothing catalog, I would find an outfit that I liked and then tried to find it, piece by piece, in my closet and then in the stores.

Not only will you go through the store with a confidence, but you will probably not overspend on something out of impulse, on something you do not need, or on something you already have.

Oh, my aching feet

2009-05-31T18:02:00.007-04:00

What? This is something that doesn't have to be. I have seen the light when it comes to shoe comfort. And that does not mean flats or sneakers. Let's all admit it, when it comes to alot of shoes, there isn't much kindness between the earth and your foot. That layer of hard man-made materials needs a little softening up.

When I got these babies, I had to figure out what I could do to wear them. They were not very comfortable for me, and the first day I tried, I lasted for about 45 minutes. My father would approve of these for wearing in the shower to avoid getting a fungus, or to wear while I am sleeping. He never was a fan of the high heel in my wardrobe...and for good, fatherly reasons which I can appreciate more these days. Nevertheless, I love the look of the colors in these shoes and I finally found something that helped.

A "Doctor" has been releasing insoles for your shoes for years now. There are several other companies that have jumped on that marketing bandwagon. Some are deodorizing and some are very colorful. Get a package of cushy foam or gel inserts to put in your shoes and you instantly upgraded to a world of less aches.

Need relief in one place more than the rest? No problem. Pick up the select area cushioners. They make them for the ball of the foot, the side of the foot, the arch, the heel, the sides of the heel, and even thin strips to stick on straps. These gels will give you the "ahh" that you are looking for.

Already have a nasty blister, or a hot spot ready to turn into one? Pick up some moleskin at the drug store. All you do is cut a piece that is larger than the blister and place it over the area to keep it from rubbing on your shoe. In a real pinch, use tape to cover up the spot for the time being.

We must come to grips with the fact that shoes aren't necessarily ready to go. Sometimes they need a little help. When you know what to add for maximum comfort, you will no longer be saying "oh", and can add, well... almost any shoe to your collection.

Getting In . . .

2009-05-29T07:56:00.004-04:00

Animal prints! They are everywhere and can cover anything. I have seen zebra, cow, leopard, cheetah... and they can also come in quite the array of colors. When used in your wardrobe, these prints can be great fun! But keep it subtle so it stays tasteful.

What do you think of the faux-animal fashion options? Are you in?

Keep it clean

2009-05-28T07:18:00.002-04:00

Keeping your jewelry sparkling clean is easy and convenient when you use a good cleaner. This stuff is in any store that has a jewelry department and is under $5. Pick up a jar and leave it in your bathroom closet so it is there when you need it. It doesn't go bad and works really well. Read the label to see what can go in it, though.

First, do yourself a favor and plug the drain in your sink or place a wash cloth over the drain hole. You will probably want to do this over the sink. Drop the piece into the jar of solution, leave it there for about a minute and remove with the basket. Run the brush over the cracks and crevices to get any more goo out. Rinse the piece in some water. If you have any canned air, blow some on it, then use a soft cloth to finish drying it and to polish it.

Viola! Your piece is ready to dazzle the world again. Accessories do their best job for you when they are clean!!!

Dec Oh

2009-05-27T09:28:00.003-04:00

This is a fabulous outfit! I love it because it has a definate deco flair to it.

There is a short sleeved white shirt under it all. I don't remember where I found it because it's been in my closet so long, but they are in every store. The gorgeous, multi-colored red top is a Vera Wang short sleeved blouse (Kohls). The black pin striped pants and black blazer were fabulous finds at the thrift store (yay!). The amazing Pierre Dumas red peep-toe pumps were a super sweet deal at the blowout price of $5.99 (Burlington Coat Factory). You gotta love the clear-gem bracelet for the sparkle it gives at the wrist (Forever 21). An attractive circle pendant necklace is an interesting shape against the lines in the top (a gift). That deco feel is carried out in the Liz Claiborne satiny slouch bag (Boscovs).

Love-Love-LOVE the dec-oh!!!!

Tops that are In

2009-05-26T08:45:00.001-04:00

What is an "in thing" this spring? Frilly, ruffled shirts. Solid or patterned. The ruffles can be just along the neckline or from the shoulders all the way down to the waist.

They are definately "in" this spring. Are YOU "in"?

Shoes Glorious Shoes

2009-05-25T08:51:00.000-04:00

I gotta say right off the bat, I love shoes. Always have. Always will. They are a fashion statement all on their own and there are so many ways to express that statement!

These are a pair of basic black, go with almost anything, pumps. Xhilaration Susan found in Target. They also offer a sweet chocolatey-brown color in this style as well. Nice!

If you want a glorious shoe that goes with anything from jeans to dress clothes, try out a round toe pump.

Dark is good

2009-05-23T14:14:00.000-04:00

Worn at a casual night out with my man. Black jeans & black tank top (both found at a thrift store with tags still on them), purple cardigan (Christmas gift), purple scarf (Forever 21), black and purple ballerina flats (Famous Footwear), black leather bracelet (Target), black patent purse (Kohls). Inspired by Nicky Hilton. She wore pink with the black. That looked great too! I would have tried it that way but don't have a pink scarf.

If you want to make a color pop, put it with black.