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Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Boots and Bags!

One of the many fashion questions I have gotten this season is about boots and bags, so I thought we could chat about it today.

What kind of boot do I look for this season and how do I decide which boot is best for me and my lifestyle?

Start in your closet and see what you already have. If you are a pant wearer, than opt for either a shoe boot or mid-calf style. If you like to wear leggings or jeggings go for a boot that is mid calf or western style. If you prefer dresses or skirts then select a boot that comes to either mid calf or below the knee. Above the knee boots look best with leggings, tights and dresses or some really skinny jeans.

What color do I go with - black or brown?

Both colors are equally versatile, but it is optimal to have one pair of black and one pair of brown boots, in different styles of course.

Do I look for leather or suede, embellishments, hardware or fringe?

If you are not an avid collector of boots (I have one client that prefers boots to shoes, and have come across several clients through the years that collect shoes of all kinds) then I recommend to bite the bullet and invest in one good pair of boots in a classic style that will last you for years to come. Personally, that is the way I like to roll. Purchase less, but better quality. If you tend to get tired of things easily and, no, I am not talking about your spouse or boyfriends, just clothing items, then spend less money and buy a few moderate priced boots of lesser quality and plan to pitch at the end of the season. Important to note here that boots made of pleather or plastic crack and do not allow your feet to breathe.

How do I decide on a handbag this season?

If we are talking about an everyday handbag, give thought to what kind of straps or handles you prefer. Over the shoulder, one strap or two, cross body or shorter, two handles, held on the wrist or by hand. This is purely a comfort call. Think about what you will also really need to put in your bag, or the little things that end up in your bag on a regular basis. Do you keep limited contents in your purses or do you prefer to have everything, including items from the kitchen sink. I literally once had a client that carried silverware and napkins in her bag.

Do I choose a color for my new bag or must I stay with black or brown?

If you are ever going to make a statement an accessory this is the time. Certain colors this season are equally neutral like greys, maroons and dark blues. I would even go as far to commit to a texture. There is something about a fabulous bag that can make the rest of your boring outfit pop. Not that you would ever wear a boring outfit, right? Just remember a great bag makes everything look more interesting.

Now you are armed to begin the boot and bag hunt. Tread slowly until you find exactly what you need. It is certainly out there for the picking.

Happy shopping!

Boots and Bags!

 

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Shoes!

Ok, fashionista's, it is time to show or express that little shade of envy you have for what I get to do in life. I have been fortunate to interview a few fun people over the years, like shoe and clothing designer Vince Camuto and What Not To Wear's Clinton Kelly, but I am moving on. This coming Saturday, April 28th, Donald and his wife Lisa Pliner are coming to Raleigh's own Main & Taylor Shoe Salon for a meet and greet with their fans. I get to meet, greet, and interview Donald and his wife Lisa before the doors open! I have so many random questions that I want to ask, that I am hoping I just don't ramble and ask him if he needs a shoe tester. Let me give you a quick refresher on his life and career.

Donald was born in 1943 and raised in Chicago with his twin sister. Along with his brother, he worked as an apprentice to his father at Pliner's Florsheim Family Shoe Stores. With all that experience in the family store, we know where he got his shoe chops from!
1967 - Opened his first store, Pappagallo Beverly Hills, and sales went through the roof. Clearly a star in the making.
1971 - Donald began gaining ground with the Right Bank Clothing Company
1984 - Donald was recruited to head a Spanish-produced footwear line called Glace, and not only designed, but conceived the whole operation
1987 - Donald did a stint designing for the brand Erica, and sales increased dramatically
1990 - Donald began designing his own line of footwear and accessories, and creating his brand
1994 - Donald designed the first all-over elastic using comfort as his underlying goal

That all-over elastic was one of my first pair of his shoes! Do you remember your first Donald Pliner's shoes?

1998 - Men's footwear is introduced by Donald. Today, Donald's men's line includes dress shoes, boots, basic comfort shoes, sandals, sporty styles, and executive dress shoes, and complements his women's line in scope and style.

Boy, would I like to be a permanent fly on his wall!

What about Lisa Pliner?

With her formal education coming from the Parsons School of Design in Paris, the Miami native has been designing since fall of 2010, after years of working side by side with Donald. Lisa's signature green sole signifies life, and celebrates all things good. She defines good as growth, renewal, health, and the environment. Lisa designs for the active woman who is unwilling to sacrifice style for comfort, while offering ultra-chic style and stunning technical details in each shoe.

So, we are all updated with their careers, and especially the impressive one Donald has had. He was wonderfully gracious when I met him over 20 years ago, and I expect he will be the same this weekend. Come and check out the event at Main & Taylor Shoe Salon at North Hills this Saturday from 10-4. Bring or plan to buy a shoe, as he will sign them.
Shoes!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Suzanne's Weekly Six Picks

Regardless of whether I am on vacation or working, my love for fashion doesn't stop. This past week I was busy climbing the red rock of Arizona, jeeping around the scenic rim of Sedona, and lastly, visiting the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, which was the highlight. In between my activities, drinking numerous margaritas, and eating loads of chips and salsa, I also shopped in some local boutiques and a few not so typical places.

For those who follow me on twitter @SavvySuzanne you saw a picture of me wearing a real fox skin hat with the skins draping over my shoulders. My sister in law put me up to it, so don't call Peta, please! I enjoyed the couple of spring/summer skirts that I brought along with the basic tees and the two hoodies that I lived in. It got me thinking that my wardrobe lacks graphic tees for spring. Wondering where I might find some that are not overly trendy and will hold up after a few washes. I will get back to you on that.

This week's picks address basic cotton skirts in various lengths and styles. Easy to wear and even easier to change up the look of a skirt from day to night, casual to dressy. It is all about the fabric shirts and tops that you pair with the skirts, along with varied length necklaces, print and solid scarves, and lastly, the shoes. Spend a little time getting creative in your closet and see how many different outfits you can put together with one skirt. I'd love to see the results.

Happy styling!
Suzanne

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Suzanne's Six Pix - White Pants and Neons

My favorite looks for white pants this spring are to pair with neon items. I had a hard time choosing, as there are so many options. Neons this week, black and white and nautical to come! Neon color pinks, limes, fuchsias, and blues are wonderful choices to wear with white pants or jeans. The more color, the merrier! Mixing neon tones and patterns with a white jean is easy. Just remember the simple rule of thumb: when selecting a big pattern whether it is chevron, floral, stripes, or color blocking, remember to layer with a smaller opposing pattern or simply a solid that may not necessarily be in the neon top you are wearing! All neon colors work back with one another beautifully. Have fun and remember there is no matchy-matchy needed with neons and a white jean.

Send me your favorite look, and don't forget to enter the March contest about white pants, and what you wear with them! Feel free to enter at www.facebook.com/wardrobeconsulting - the gift certificate is for $75 at J McLaughlin's.Suzanne's Six Pix - White Pants and Neons

Friday, March 2, 2012

Six Pix

Spring is right around the corner and there are so many great fashion picks for early shopping. Each week I will offer 6 of my favorite picks for under $100 for each item. Better yet, this week everything I selected was under $50, with the exception of the navy trench.

If you don't already own a versatile trench, this would be a good addition to your lifestyle dressing wardrobe as we roll into March and April showers. I especially enjoy wrapping a scarf around my neck with jackets to add that "pop" of color and warmth while dodging raindrops from store to store.

This is also the perfect time to think about purchasing a colored jean and versatile lace up oxford. A neutral lace up shoe looks adorable with pants, capris or loose flowing dresses.

Select a handbag that speaks to your personality. If you wonder what speaks to your personality, start with a bag that fits your everyday needs and then move to deciding on a color. This is a wonderful opportunity to step out of your comfort zone without investing heavily on an accessory for spring

From my spring closet to yours-
Suzanne

Let me know what Six Pix's you'd like to see next week!Six Pix

J Crew v neck shirt
$20 - jcrew.com

Mango trench coat
£35 - mango.com

Monki highwaisted pants
€20 - monki.com

Flat shoes
$48 - lebunnybleu.com

Dorothy Perkins floral print handbag
$44 - dorothyperkins.com

Mango polka dot scarve
£18 - mango.com

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Silver bells for spring!

Enjoy transitioning your silver fall/winter pieces by adding a touch of soft teal or peach through your accessories. Silver bells for spring!

Dolce Gabbana lace jacket
£789 - farfetch.com

Ichi cropped blazer
€44 - welikefashion.com

Christopher Kane mini skirt
€1.020 - colette.fr

Todd Lynn mini skirt
$795 - net-a-porter.com

Tory Burch ballerina flat
£225 - harrods.com

Dorothy Perkins platform high heels
$69 - dorothyperkins.com

Bow clutch
$30 - dsw.com

Fiona Paxton silver cuff bangle
£135 - the-dressingroom.com

Wallis stone ring
£7.50 - wallis.co.uk

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

An Interview with Christine Jones Jewelry

The start of the interview with Chris Jones of Christine Jones Jewelry is in our newsletter. If you don’t get the newsletter, be sure to sign up for it! If you’d like the January newsletter, please send an email to suzanne@wardrobeconsulting.biz. Hint: Contest details are in the newsletter (and on FaceBook).

Where do you get the inspiration for your design?

I often hold a specific woman or event (sometimes real, sometimes not) in my mind when I am designing. An example of this was when you asked me to design a pair of earrings for your client, Rhiannon Giddens of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, so she could wear them at the Grammies. The opportunity to match my aesthetic to a recording artist, her dress and that big event was thrilling. The design I developed (and that she wore on her Grammy winning night!) informed many other pieces I offered throughout the year. What makes my work cohesive is my artistic aesthetic around color, scale, and texture. I love to play with these artistic elements using gemstone beads, metals and chain. I like to think my work is easy to wear and enhances the woman. I want my customer to wear my jewelry, and not have my jewelry wear her.

We often collaborate on jewelry designs for clients. As you know, I love to look at your materials and hand select stones. Where do you find your materials? Do you shop seasonally, or do you just find things you like?

My works have continued to evolve. One major addition in December was sterling cuff bracelets. What makes them special is that each one is truly unique. They are all hand scribed, etched and forged. I have some 'stock' designs, as well as more personalized custom bracelets. There is a picture of a personalized bracelet on my website. I think I will always work with gemstones because I love the color they provide, but metal holds such a fascination for me that rings, cuffs and pendants are the next obvious steps. There is so much for me explore with metal and color!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Cyber Monday Shopping

If you have had your fill of turkey and relatives and now you are trying to catch your breath before Cyber Monday hits, I thought I would give you some quick food for thought. Can you believe I actually mentioned food again? Before you start cruising the internet and reading through the dozens of emails, all advertising cyber deals, think about the following questions, particularly if you get the bug to shop for yourself and not for holiday presents:

What makes this internet offer such a good one?

What is written in the small print - is there a minimum spend to get the deal?

Have you bought from them before?

Is it a secured site?

Does it offer free shipping and return postage?

Can the item be returned?

What is the delivery time promised? Express or snail mail? Estimated delivery time?

If it is not being offered at at at least 50% off or more, forget it. It probably isn't worth the effort.

Is it an item that will enhance your wardrobe, or just a splurge?

There are some items that are worth checking out that are worth investing in at this point in the season, and that you may have been not been able to look at previously:

  • A good leather or suede boot
  • A wool coat
  • A leather jacket
  • A classic raincoat
  • A long strand of pearls
  • A rich leather handbag
  • A good leather belt with a handsome buckle, and remember to go up one size. If you buy size 28 jeans, buy a 30 inch belt.
  • Your favorite brand and style t-shirt in multiple colors
  • Your favorite scent

Big box stores will provide the biggest draw for sale items, as well as specific designers or brand names. If you like a certain brand or designer, look at the site. And don't dilly dally! If you find something that piques your interest - go for it. I guarantee if you check back, it will have sold out.

Happy shopping, but remember a great sale on wardrobe items is only good if it’s something that will work with your existing wardrobe. This is not the time to build a wardrobe. This is, however, a great time to do a quick, and I mean quick, closet evaluation and see if you can catch any steals online to complement what you already have.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Calling All Women!


Calling all women, calling all women! Do you think you could rock this look in the Triangle? Can you imagine getting up in the morning and throwing on this cute little red dress with some black tights and boots? Would you have the confidence to go from your everyday attire, whether it is jeans or that little black skirt, and wear this dress proudly?



This dress is designed by Project Runway alum Daniel Feld, and we found it at Fashionista.com. All of his goods are not only made in the good old USA, but in NYC to boot! Think about being inside his factory in the fashion industry and seeing the production line of his fashion line. If you have never been to a NYC designers factory or warehouse, that alone is worth the trip. I will never forget my first time going to the Carlisle and Etcetera warehouse that sells previous season’s merchandise. My mother and I years ago walked down the street looking for the building and were shocked to see the lack of signage on the building front. We stumbled upon the address, and opened the door to an unlit hallway. Picture me, holding my large purse like I was ready to bash someone over the head, and my mother just chattering away.

Inside the rusted out elevator door, we puched the button for the third floor and when the doors opened we strode out into a massive open warehouse with about 100 women frantically shopping as if the goods were leaving on a freight truck in minutes. As for the ten men holding women's purses, they just looked blankly into space, probably hoping they could leave before closing. I have seen that look many times before, and it ain't pretty. Ah, the smell of a musty warehouse full of bargains. Two hours later we rode back down the elevator with packages in hand looking for a cab. That was my experience with NYC warehouses, so I can imagine what Daniel's design house looks like. To rent space alone in the NYC fashion district, you are going to need design a line that is gonna sell and sell well!

Back to my original questions. The little red dress certainly looks comfortable and actually could be worn several different ways. With a poncho, with tights, leggings, a cigarette leg jean, a long sleeve fitted t-shirt underneath for warmth, with necklaces, scarves, ballerina flats, boots, or pumps, and that is all just for fall and winter.

My theory as a stylist is that it is all about comfort and making the garment be a part of your lifestyle. Wear the dress instead of it wearing you. All it takes is a little confidence in how you look and feel in it. It could easily become a wardrobe staple and essential item to build upon. This red dress is trendy on, but only if you make it appear that way.

Give thought to wearing it for everyday wear and how it could be part of your wardrobe. Could you strut yourself into Whole Foods (my husband calls it Whole Paycheck) in that cute dress? Actually, I dress up most days and often do run into Whole Foods with heels and feel quite comfortable.   I refuse to lie down and say we don't and can't wear trendy essential clothing in the Triangle.

Someone obviously is, because stores like CT Weekends are selling European designers and are doing just fine. Daniel’s little asymmetric red frock isn't any trendier and quite honestly, is right on par with what they are showing in their store. I do believe the Triangle is becoming more and more of a fashion forward location. With the growing number of fashion shows and emerging designers in the area, fashionable options that don’t come from big box stores are increasing quickly. Wouldn’t it be great to get off GQ’s list of most unfashionable cities in America? The easy way to do that is to get comfortable with dressing with purpose and for your lifestyle. This little frock could be worn with flats for day with a scarf, and with heels at night with a faux fur poncho to theatre at the DPAC. Actually, I think I have almost talked myself into it ladies! Should we check the price first?

A final tip.....I bought an asymmetric black cotton/spandex fitted dress about five years ago when that look was quite big. It's still one of my favorites, but last season I had the hem line cut straight across and ta-da! I got a brand new look!

Friday, November 11, 2011

Fashion Sneakers v Athletic Sneakers

Converse sneakers are not only timeless, but ageless foranyone who wears them. I'm just saying....


A friend of mine at Raleigh Racquet Club was rocking herblack Converse with black jeans, print shirt and black cardigan. What I lovedwas despite being a member of the over 50 crowd, she is comfortable enough inher own style to wear them casually and for fun. TJ, is actually one of themost classy ladies I know. She is a true southerner with the most gentle wayabout her. So seeing her today in her Chuck Taylor's was a hoot!

It made me think, though, so let's get back to wearingConverse sneakers or sneakers in general as part of your wardrobe. We all wearsneakers for a variety of reasons.

* for athletic reasons when participating in sports
* for walking long distances or for travel
* for comfort, because having another type of shoe forcasual wear may be too hard to select and not worn enough to warrant purchasing
* as a fashion statement (now we are talking)

These are my thoughts on sneakers. Sneakers are a neededlifestyle item best worn with sweats, warm-up suits, shorts, capri's, andathletic wear. A regular athletic sneaker doesn’t look so good with jeans thatare blue (or any other color) unless they are more of a "fashionsneaker".

Fashion sneakers usually have a look and personality oftheir own. I love a good fashion sneaker, and when I see someone in publicwearing them it makes me smile. They’re so versatile, and can be worn with mostcolored jeans, summer casual dresses, a cool leather pant, free flowing skirts,leggings, jeggings and maxi dresses. You either get it and do it, or you don’t.Typically, I find fashion sneakers at department stores, places like DSW andonline at Zappos, like these:

PUMA: Zandy Wn'sLacoste: Meuse WOSuperga: 2750 LAMEWUGG: Laela Sparkles

Next time you go shopping for a casual sneaker, thinkabout how you actually plan to wear them. TJ's look with her Chuck Talyor'sConverse gave her an updated, but certainly not over the top, casual look (greatfor the pro-shop that she was working in, and comfortable enough to spend acouple hours on her feet). Fashion sneakers tend to offer an option for thosewho just can't pretend to want to wear a Nike or Addidas athletic sneaker withtheir everyday casual wear. So here’s to all those willing to walk on the wildside!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Aging Fashion and Style

One of the most rewarding days in my life as a stylist......

Looking and feeling good as we continue to age

A few months ago, I got a phone call from a woman who said I worked with her mother some 15 years ago. Her mother was now in her early eighties, and had since lost her husband and remarried. She needed some help with coordinating what she had in her wardrobe. Betty's new husband loved when she dressed up and I could truly see she was quite smitten with him. Imagine being in your eighties and your husband taking pride in what you’re wearing. May I live that long and still want to wear my Spanx and heels and that Sid's eyesight still be good enough to notice I am wearing either.

I have to admit, I was quite excited about reconnecting with my client from 15 years ago. I was anxious to see if I remembered her, but also to help her with paring down her wardrobe. I expect it is very stressful for most seniors to let go of their belongings. According to her daughter Sally, Betty went shopping recently and wasn't sure about the selections she brought home. Sally wasn't convinced the items were age appropriate or a good fit her mother’s body type.

I vote for anyone over 80 years old to year whatever make you happy, feel good, and allows you to do your thing! Ok, that may be a little rash....let me retract that statement. This probably would not include pretending you are something you’re not, like a Lady Gaga wanna be or Diane Von Fuerstenberg's illegitimate sister. Lady Gaga's platform shoes and squished toes make my own tears well up in pain, and just imagine my body at 80 in a wrap dress with my breasts and belly meeting as one, other than at my waist. I'm just sayin.....

Back to Betty and her wardrobe. Betty had requested her daughter be a part of the closet consult, so she may take pictures and notes, as needed. As I approached Betty's front door, I was greeted by Sally and then Betty, and received a warm welcome from both. I just knew this would be a wonderful afternoon!

I took a few minutes to get caught up on a few crucial things about Betty’s current lifestyle and comfort needs, and then I plunged in with my routine. I had a few questions for both the ladies before going through the racks that lined the dining room and perused the table filled with her accessories. To say the least, Betty had a very healthy wardrobe! Somewhat different than most of my younger clients, and I still needed key information:
  • What were Betty's lifestyle clothing needs? Daily casual, church, or any special events?
  • Was Betty more comfortable in pants, skirts, or dresses?
  • Did Betty have any restrictions on buttoning a blouse, zipping a pant, or reaching over her head?
  • Were there certain fabrics that were more comfortable to her and others that she did not prefer?
Soon after our discussion, we proceeded with trying on many of the items she had recently purchased to check for fit and color. Betty wanted a few tops that were different than what she owned, but wasn't sure whether the trendy top was something she could actually manage. After careful consideration we found a few that were versatile enough in look and fit to spice up her existing wardrobe.

We moved on to mixing and matching tops, jackets, sweaters, and pants with her vast array of jewelry. Betty sat on a sturdy dining room chair between changes and would pop out of the chair to peek in the mirror after being put together. Outfit after outfit I coordinated with her favorite jeans and pants. It was truly a delightful experience for the three of us. Betty was thrilled with having so many options. Sally was relieved to know that her mother wouldn't stress over not knowing what to put together. I personally was so grateful to be able to connect with a client at this stage in her life and see how well she was doing. It was very bittersweet for me.

Sally was a wonderful nurturing daughter and Betty was so grateful for her daughter’s help. I felt their love and respect for one another. Of course, for any of you who really know me, I had tearful moments of remembering my relationship with my own grandmother. Betty did remarkably well and after a little catching up on one another's lives with our children, I was out the door. I'm just saying that was a consult I won't forget anytime soon.

Here are just a few tips to keep in mind if you are elderly and shopping for yourself, or shopping for an elderly relative for a gift giving occasion:

1. Check with the caregiver or mate as they will probablyhave a good read on the senior’s requirements or limitations, as well as their likes and dislikes.

2. When purchasing bed clothing, avoid purchasing items with buttons and that are floor length. Buttons are difficult to manipulate (snaps are easier) and long gowns and robes may get tied up or cause the senior to trip when getting into or out of bed.

3. Make sure all garments have a wide neck to slide easily over the head.

4. Remember to buy fabrics that can be washed frequently and will hold up, like cotton or fleece.

5. Purchase rubber soled shoes to prevent slipping or stumbling.

Lastly, buy happy prints and color. It is amazing how great people look, regardless of their age, when wearing colors other than white, beige, brown or black!

 
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