I'm Just Saying...

Now, if you want instant style, check out some of my favorite tips and quips when it comes to fashion and beauty! I am still a believer in making an impression the first time you meet someone, because often we don't get that second chance. I dare and hope that someone challenges me on any of my suggestions!

• Wear your favorite color to get yourself out of a funk or grab attention
• Ever wonder what’s up with people that wear sunglasses when it is not sunny outside, especially when seen inside sporting them?
• If you have family jewelry to wear, rock it out. Family heirlooms make the best stories and keep you connected to them!
• For those women who have narrow shoulders, summer is the best time to wear halter necklines to give the illusion of greater width and balance your proportions.
• If you have heavy upper arms, wear a short sleeve that is long enough to hide the heaviest part. Try and stay away from sleeveless.
• Traveling this summer? Remember to carry a separate plastic bag with a pair of socks, tooth brush and tooth paste, and a spray bottle of spring mist for facial hydration. ooh la la!
• Never hem the length of your skirts to the thickest part of your leg. Adjust the hem to so if falls right above the slender part of your leg.
• Buy the best quality handbag you can afford. Not only will it last for years, but it will always make your outfit look better!
• Think of your hair color and style your hair as an accessory. Change your hairstyle often as it may even become your signature!
• Lastly, and this is something I do often, especially when I am out and about. Puzzling to me is that people are frequently thrown, as if receiving and accepting a compliment never happens to them. I find when I compliment others on how they look or a particular garment looks great on them, not only do I get a smile, but the person stands up a little straighter. It’s a confidence builder and everyone you know could use that every once in a while.

From my closet to yours-
Suzanne

Gotta Have It – June 10th (My Carolina Today)

Wardrobe Consulting's Suzanne Libfraind shows us this week’s “Gotta Have It” finds from local retailers and entrepreneurs in the Triangle area.

Scroll down for information on where to find these great 'Gotta Haves'.



1. Original hand-painted whimsical painting of animal on fine art note cards, by local artist Susan Dahlin. $5 each, available at www.roundaboutartcollective.com
2. Magwear Magnetic Wristband, holds hardware, tools and metallic objects. $18, available at www.fortisdesign.com
3. Black Serum Miracle Hair Treatment – $19.99, available at Atmosphere Salon, Colleen Herring (919)272-0844
4. Piebird – one hand pie $3, slice of pie $5.50. www.piebirdraleigh.com
5. Twist and Pout lip balm. $9.95, available at www.lilymaes.com

For Men Only: How to Pull of White Pants For Summer

Regardless of your age, men are often leery about wearing white pants for summer. Part of it is fear they will look like the Skipper on Gilligan's Island or David Cassidy when he was rocking it out in the 70's with the hit ‘I Think I Love You!’

Men, you can do it! Women have taken the plunge and begun incorporating white jeans, slacks, dress pants and casual pants into their wardrobe as a year round staple. It’s even become a whole new color palette - think white, off white, cream and winter white. Never fear, we understand that for men, white in any shade is probably still white.

There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind while shopping. Don't over think it. Remember that white is as versatile as other, ‘regular’ khaki colors. Avoid a baggy pant silhouette, but not super skinny either. Select a pair that is fitted and fits correctly.

Check out these simple guidelines to help pull off white:

• To go for a casual look, pair the white jeans or slacks with a graphic tee
• For a dressier look, throw on a bright colored shirt with a sweater for layering and a pair of loafers for a relaxed look
• Once you are confident wearing white, go for a white-cream colored linen pant for the summer months. Wear a contrasting shirt with texture and a dark suede shoe (now we are talking!)
• Now that you have stepped out and feel confident wearing white, how about one last look for summer. Pair white or cream pants with a navy or dark linen blazer. A pinstripe cotton blend blazer looks great worn with a contrasting color dress shirt or collarless shirt.

Not only will you be rocking in white pants this summer, but you will indubitably be the coolest!

Gotta Have It – May 27th (My Carolina Today)

Wardrobe Consulting's Suzanne Libfraind shows us this week’s “Gotta Have It” finds from local retailers and entrepreneurs in the Triangle area.

Scroll down for information on where to find these great 'Gotta Haves'.

1. Let It Ring – $20 each or $10 as a going back to school fundraiser item. Available at www.soletitring.com
   


2. Oh Wow Lip Balm – $4.24 per lip balm or as a 4 pack for $16. Available at www.ohwowforlips.com


3. A Cupcake Diva – $2.00 per cup cake pop. Available at www.cupcakediva.com


4. “The Bobble” – $10 for a filtered water bottle from Monograms. Available at www.monogramsinc.net


5. Pop top and ribbon designed belts $75, bracelets $15 and key chains $10-$15 – by Elizabeth Toker. Sold exclusively at The Eclectic Garden www.eclecticfurnituregarden.com

Do you know something local that we "Gotta Have"? Please send us your suggestions!

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An Icon in Her Own Sense

I think I would be remiss in my job as a stylist if I did not comment on the finality of Oprah and her final good-bye to her 25 year old talk show. I’ve been thinking back to where I was in my life some 25 years ago and what I was doing as she began her journey. I had just given birth to my second child and my first child wasn’t that much older. I had gone back to work part time as a visual designer and worked for several local boutiques and SteinMart.

Oprah seemed strong and self assured and although I did not watch her on any sort of regular basis, I knew that for many she was a lifeline of support. Over the years I marveled at her sense of inner peace and beauty that was beyond her large brown eyes and flawless skin. I, along with millions of other men and women who understand the effort she went through to take control of her weight, railed in praise when she conquered her weight battle and sashayed around the stage in her tight jeans.

As the weight gradually reappeared and softened her hips and thighs, I again railed in praise that she had found an inner peace that included not wanting to fight her weight again as so many of us do. She found a healthy balance that worked for her and decided to live her life with little regret and regardless of her present size.

I often tell clients that we must work with what we are given and if we are not satisfied, then only then can we attempt a change. For me maintaining a healthy lifestyle does include eating well but also indulging in the many foods and beverages that make me happy. I know exactly where those extra pounds are going to land and stay and quite frankly I’m ok with that. I guess that is why I always liked Oprah’s tune, because I often thought her ideals were similar to mine. Here’s to living life, whether you are a stylist or fashion television icon.

Bathing Suits for Every Body

Ready Set, Get Suited for Summer!

I'm taking Page to Nicole’s Swimwear and Accessories to show Page how bathing suits can work for every body type. Read below for fashion & shopping tips.




1. If you want to look slimmer opt for a lighter color on top than on bottom.
2. Woman with a small bust should look for tops with ruffles, beading or pleating.
3. If you need to support a large bust choose an underwire or a hidden bra top. Stay clear of high necklines.
4. If you carry your weight through the middle, skip tankini's and opt for a wrap style or suit that gathers on the side to draw the eye away from the middle.

Shopping Tips -

• Shop on a day that you are feeling good and preferably not on a weekend.
• Prioritize your assets and embrace your body !
• Remember that there are many different styles to choose from
• The best fabric choice is a cotton and Lycra blend to hold it's shape.
• Wear a thong or a snug panty when trying on swimsuits
• Choose your size and add one larger when selecting what you want to try. Swim suits vary in size just like clothes do!
• Be sure and check the comfort and fit of the suit in a three way mirror.
• Bring a sandal to try with your suit, sneakers make a suit so much less appealing!

If you prefer trying swim suits in the privacy of your home, order from mail order catalogs and follow the sizing guide

Lastly, don't dispair, just like trying on jeans, it may take several tries before finding something that you love.

Gotta Have It (May 14, 2011) - My Carolina Today

In this week's 'Gotta Have It' Savvy Stylist Suzanne Libfraind shows us items you’ve got to have ranging from decorative duct tape to a teething ring necklace. See below for info on where you can find each of these items...



1. Chewbeads Necklaces - 100% Silicone available at Smart Momma in Raleigh - www.smartmomma.com

2. Skin Ceuticals Blemish and Age Defense - $78 retail - available at www.themuseumspa.com

3. Platypus Designer Duck Tape $7.50 a roll. Free shipping when purchasing 5 rolls or more. Available at www.fortisdesign.com. Enter the code "Carolina Today" on their website when checking out to get FREE SHIPPING when you order 5 or more rolls.

4. Cupcakes by Cupcake Brewery: Shotgun Betty and Sweet Josie with Lone Rider Brewery Beer. $2.75 per cupcake or $29.00 a dozen. Available at www.cupcakebrewery.net.

5. Perfume Brooch with your favorite scent. $12...available at Nicole’s Swimwear and Accessories - www.nicolesswimwear.com.

6. Mogo Click Flops...$20 for children/$22 for adults. Each flip flop set comes with 2 sparkly magnets...additional magnets available for $4. Available at Swagger Gift in Cary: (919)858-5884 or www.swaggergifts.com.