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Showing posts with label style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label style. 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

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Shirtdresses for summer!

I am all about a shirt dress for summer! Whether it is neon orange or plain old denim, I can always find several different ways to wear a shirtdress. Consider these questions when putting together your outfit to help transition the item.

The melon pleated dress:

1. If the shirtdress is sleeveless, do I have casual cardigans, cropped jackets, and belts to change the look of the dress?

2. Can I dress it up or down by wearing flats or heels? Do I have scarves or necklaces to help accessorize the simple silhouette?

3. Am I comfortable mixing fabrics, similar tones, or bright tones for a pop of color?

If you have answered yes to most of these questions, then this is a great item to incorporate into your lifestyle wardrobe. The same dress can transition into fall by using navy, taupes, and sage greens. Stay away from blacks and browns as you may feel a bit ghoolish!

The denim sleeveless shirtdress:

1. Can I see the endless possibilities in wearing this dress with a crispy white blouse underneath or short sleeve fitted scoop neck t-shirt?

2. Not only are cowboy boots an option, but am I comfortable wearing brightly colored flip flops and fun bangles for a hot summer day?

3. I know wearing a white denim jacket may be a bit much, but how about a khaki or stone colored hip length jacket and a woven wedge shoe with canvas uppers?

If you are nodding your heads in agreement, then this is the shirtdress for you. Shirtdresses are truly an item that I could talk about for hours and offer dozens of ideas about how to change the look. It's such a versatile piece of clothing! As for the cowboy boots...I have just recently convinced a client that she can wear boots in the summer. No, she ain't from Texas!

From my closet to yours-

Enjoy!

Suzanne

Shirtdresses for summer!

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

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!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Check Out My New Fashion Segment!

I'm now the "Roving Retailer" for the new show "My Carolina Today" on NBC, Monday through Friday from 11 -11:30 am. My show can be seen on Fridays on the "Style" segments. Join me as I cover a variety of fashion related topics.

Check out the video reels at www.mycarolinatoday.com


 
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