Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Fishnets…how to wear them well?


I love fishnet stockings, but there is a right way to wear them, and then it becomes easy to cross a line and wear them in a way that is VERY wrong!

With Halloween just around the corner, and half the population desiring a “sexy” look, fishnets are perfect…go wild!
But if you are not dressing in a costume, take caution with the alluring fishnets. They can be too much for day looks and over the top for evenings, unless you use them thoughtfully.

Fishnets, by the nature of their history, have an alluring style to them.
They will add sex appeal to almost anything you pair them with. So when wearing fishnets you must use them with an editorial eye!
Use fishnets to spice up a plain outfit, or something that may look too demure.

The very chic “lady like” look can be a bit old fashion on some, the fishnet is a perfect way to add some edge to that 50’s throwback look.
If the outfit is about the fishnets, then keep everything else fairly conservative; don’t show off too much skin or too many curves.

I love pairing fishnets with a high necked sweater dress. A sweater dress on its own can be a bit frumpy at times, fishnets add the sass!

I also love pairing fishnets with a boyfriend blazer and tailored shorts which can be a bit masculine, the fishnets add feminine allure.
If your outfit already shows off a little cleavage, or has a short hemline, or tightly hugs the body, then adding fishnets stockings probably will be taking the “sexy” in the look to far.
Be careful!

Save the sexy outfit with fishnets for a sexy Halloween costume!

Fishnets have a strong voice when it comes to style and can really add just the right statement to an outfit, but you must use them with care, because they can also take a look over the top.
If you love the look of fishnets but feel unclear about how to wear them, ask the advice of a professional.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Transitional looks for the change in the air

It is mid October, and despite the Indian summer that Northern California was enjoying there is a new crispness to the air. How do you dress for this odd transitional weather? For work or play; the goal is to be comfortable, dress appropriately for the season and look stylish!

Summer colors are out, it is fall after all.
Exchange the poppy orange for pumpkin and lilacs for burgundy, flashes of true red are also big this fall which is easy to mix into any wardrobe.
This season Neutrals are important mixed with jewel tones and Metallic’s, especially army green, grey and camel. Keep those light neutrals out, they work great for the warmth in the middle of the day and still look current for fall, while you may want to hold off on too much black for another month or two.
I still love the cropped pant with Gladiator sandals, for this weather wear it with a boyfriend blazer or a short sleeve jacket

Shorts can still work with heels and tights when paired with a ruffled Jacket or a leather Jacket for a more casual look.



Try a skinny Capri Cargo pant with a sophisticated shawl cardigan and a light blousy tunic

You can still wear some of those neutral summer dresses, Pair them with leggings and a chic draped sweater vest. You can also accessorize with a fall ruffled scarf, or an animal print



Classic closed toed pumps are always in style. Right now suede ones look very chic with a pencil skirt. Pair this with a belted sweater set, the layers make it easier to stay comfortable through the temperatures changes in the day.
For Fall Skinny Jeans and boots are still a popular silhouette. Try pairing them with a soft summer blouse during these Indian summer days and add a cropped faux fur jacket for warmth when the sun goes down.
Jeans are also great rolled up to the mid calf with pumps; add a simple T-shirt and a colorful shrug for a hip look no matter what the temperature is.



What piece in your wardrobe is your favorite for these transitional times of the year?

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Shopping in your closet: Find new ways to wear old clothes

Up-date and freshen up the seasons look without buying a whole new wardrobe, instead find new ways to wear old clothes.
Save money and keep your style fresh by finding things you already own and creating new looks with them.
a basic black dress can be reevitalied with new accessories
The first step is to organize your closet, If you can’t see what you have your never going to be inspired to create new looks! It may help to put like colors together in order of garment type or vice versa. Patterns should be put with group that represents the most dominant color. (Example: Red; jackets, tops bottoms, -a black and red striped pant would go here-. Brown: jackets, tops, -a brown, green and red paisley blouse may go here-bottoms. Blue; jackets-a blue and white seersucker may go here-tops, bottoms, ECT.)
this skirt would go wiith the browns or creams
(Make notes as you go; this is one place that it is helpful to have a second pair of hands)

Step two is to go through everything. Separate the Items you wear all the time from the items you wear occasionally, from the items you never wear.
• For the first group, put one item on, ask yourself what you wear with it, and then find something different to work with that item. Try some different accessories as well. See if you can create one new outfit with every piece you always wear. It is great to pull from your other two groups during this part of the process.
• With the second group, go through the same steps. As you put on each piece you may start to see why you don’t wear these clothes as much. You may not actually love the way the garment looks and so you avoid wearing it until you have nothing else that serves its purpose. You also may love the single garment, but do not have the items the garment needs to create a complete outfit. This is where you must start a list of items you think you need to complete the looks with what you already own.
• With the last group, the process begins the same way. You must put on every item and ask yourself why this item never gets worn. Many of the answers are the same as you had with the second group of clothes, though perhaps more drastic. Ask yourself what you need to do to make this item more wearable for you. It is in this final group that you may find some true gems in your closet, but most of these clothes are probably ready to be retired, and you'll be surprised at how much more you'll have to wear once your closet isn't packed with clothes you don't wear!
This is also the hardest step for most people and you also may find that you really need a second pair of educated and discerning eyes!
you may fall back in love with old jewelry you forgot about
Step three is to go through your accessories. Organize these again by like color and style. I.e. a silk scarf with a yellow floral pattern can be put with a yellow pattern shoe, or a green beaded necklace with a green croc belt and a green cocktail ring. A second opinion is helpful in this step because sometimes it can be hard to coordinate accessories that were not specifically made for each other. Remember that every accessory you own should complete at least one outfit in your closet. Don’t keep items that don’t serve a purpose. A great accessory can transform an outfit that otherwise was unremarkable, into a head turning ensemble.

The final step is to create a shopping list of specific things you would need to complete outfits you already have a start on. Start with the most vital items, i.e. items that would complete the most amount of outfits, these are usually missing basics like a black jacket, a khaki pant, a white blouse or a nuetral flat.