Archives for category: Seasonal

Fashion Science Experiment

September 12, 2011 //

I am conducting a fashion science experiment. I will wear every item in my closet. If I don’t, I will donate it or move it to the “just want to be seen but not worn section”.

My closet is my sanctuary where I can admire all of the incredible purchases over the years from different countries I’ve been or the fab finds I’ve found from places like the Off 5th Outlet or Loehman’s. But as fabulous as it may be, it gets cluttered and I can’t stand the chaos if I don’t have enough hangers for my newest fall buys. And if I feel like I need to buy more hangers than I’m not getting rid of enough. I am totally guilty of wearing the same jeans every single day even though I have 23 other pairs staring at me. So starting tomorrow I will officially wear every item in my closet. I have organized it according to time and place. For instance, tops and sweaters are separated according to function. Tops to wear during the day with jeans. Tops to wear to meeting with a client. Tops for dinner with friends. Tops for dinner with kids. Tops to wear with pants to a cocktail party when I’m not in the mood for a dress. You get the picture.

Beginning from left to right I will wear everything. If I’m not in the mood to wear it when I’m holding it then it’s time to put it in the “I’m not in the mood to wear this today” pile. I will collect enough data to see if the next week I will be in the “mood’. I will allow a 7 day grace period with myself and try the experiment again. If I am still not in the mood on day 7 then I will put it in the donate or consignment pile. That’s it. Simple. Move on.

There are of course exceptions to this experiment. Vintage. I couldn’t part with Grandma Belle’s vintage Pucci blouse or Missoni outfit that totally doesn’t fit me but has original Bergdorf Goodman tags from the 40s! How can you? You can’t. So the items that have history must be showcased in the “I am gorgeous but will never be worn again” section. And very few items should end up here. Yes, every item of clothing has a sentimental value and “oh I bought that when I was 22 at this store, etc. etc.” But it’s time to move on. Like scientists, we must embrace the future and move forward. If that skirt you had fit perfectly 7 years ago and you wonder why it doesn’t fit like it used to it’s not that the skirt shrunk on the hanger, it’s that your body changed and it’s time to deal with it and move on. Just like science is ever-evolving, so should you and your closet.

Categories Fashion, Seasonal

Subtle changes…

August 21, 2011 //

Sometimes a subtle change can make a world of difference. The slightest change in your appearance can make you feel fabulous. Changing your hair color from a natural mousey brown that many women are born with to a dark walnut color with auburn highlights can work wonders! I’m not talking about a drastic change like going from a brunette to a blonde. You don’t even have to cut your hair. It can be simply a contrast change. The goal is to feel different from the day before the color. A little bolder, sexier and daring.

If you aren’t daring enough to color your whole head than try a really bold streak of color underneath your hair (make it fun like pink or red!). Or even a feather extension. Show it off only when you’re in the mood (like when it’s in a ponytail). Think of it like really sexy lingerie. You can keep it covered up but you know it’s there underneath…

And if you happen to find a few grey hairs sprouting, then it’s certainly time to color that hair. They say “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”. Well, grey hair is “broke” and it’s time to “fix it”. For the natural Cruella Di Vils of the world: own your silver streaks (enhance them by coloring them a little more silver for a real contrast). But for most women who have natural color with a few sprouts of greys here and there then it’s time to color it up! Trust me…you’ll look forward to your new subtle change.

Categories Seasonal

Style on the inside…

July 28, 2011 //

Style is not only how you are perceived on the outside but how you feel on the inside. Think about it. When you haven’t exercised or are a few pounds heavier, are you really going to want to wear that chic, tailored dress? No…you’re more opt to wear the bohemian dress that is looser around the belly and not as constricting. You probably don’t walk with the confidence as you would in a slimmer fitted dress. And when you eat badly you certainly don’t feel as powerful or sexy as you would on a day when you exercise, eat well and drink water.

Summer is the time to drink Rose´and eat ice cream at night yet be in a bikini the next day. It’s not fair. So make a conscious effort to feel and look hot for the rest of the summer. Indulge in the ice cream (or the fro yo) but don’t feel guilty (wasted emotion). And do a little more the next day. So if that means switching to almond milk (my latest obsession), drinking more water or running an extra mile to feel great then do it! Style really does come from the inside out…

Categories Fashion, Fitness, Seasonal

Out with the old and make like new!

June 28, 2011 //

The worst thing in the world is going into your closet in the morning and not liking anything you have to wear. It sets you up for having a bad day from the moment you try to get dressed. And just like extra pounds, old clothes weigh you down mentally. But maybe you haven’t had the time or money to go and buy new clothes to feel as fabulous as you should.

So out with the old and make like new! Take that simple white button down shirt that looks like an old classic (key word here is classic, not old) and roll up the sleeves. Don’t be afraid to wear the collar up. Wear the shirt open to your cleavage (without exposing the goods too much). Throw on a necklace and you have taken a classic to a new level.

Or you have that long evening gown that you wore for a friend’s black tie wedding a few years ago. It’s sitting in the closet waiting for another black tie affair to go to yet all the invitations you’re getting say cocktail attire. Take it to the dressmaker (skip the corner tailor on this one. A dressmaker specializes in dress alterations) and shorten it.

Reviving old clothes gives a fresh spin on your wardrobe choices. But there are some clothes that shouldn’t be revived. Take those old clothes to your local consignment shop, get a little $ and buy something new. You’ll feel good that you’ve made room for some new clothes and you’ve ‘lightened’ your closet a little. You’ll approach your closet with a more positive attitude making it easier to get dressed in the morning.

Categories Seasonal

Hello Summer!

May 31, 2011 //

So summer has finally reached Rochester, NY and we have hit 90 degree mark! Firstly, you gorgeous ladies…stop and think before you put on a pair of shorts. Unless you have long towering legs that mimic Giselle, or teeny shapely legs that look like Britney, you shouldn’t be wearing shorts. Think dresses and skirts for these upcoming summer days. I have seen way too many khaki mid-thigh shorts on women that make them look masculine and unattractive. As women, we must accentuate the curves and show them off. But show them off with flowing short skirts or simple summer dresses. So unless you’ve got legs like Tina, Giselle or Britney then keep the shorts to the golf course only.
Secondly, don’t be afraid to wear a bikini! I have seen so many young gorgeous women that cover themselves up with daudy one pieces and tankinis that make them look 20 years older than they are! So you’ve had a baby (or more)…or you’ve eaten too much ice cream. So what!? Show it off…(in the right way of course) Let’s take a clue from Brazilian women. They have a reputation for being the most stunning women in the world because they wear itty bitty bikini bottoms. Try on a bottom that is slightly smaller than your butt cheeks. But of course, covering most of the butt. But let’s keep our swimwear youthful and sexy. (Images via net-a-porter.com)