Gotta Have It – June 24th (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. Oopsie Ditty Solution Sack slim wristlet clutch. $35.00, available at www.lilymaes.com

2. Falling Whistle necklace. $34.00, available at www.gypsyjule.com

3. Thundershirt for dogs that alleviates a dog’s anxiety. $36, available at www.suitepaws.com

4. Midtown Olive Press, small oils and balsamic starting at $10, medium saturating at $14.99 and large bottles starting at $29.99, available at www.midtownolivepress.com

5. Misto Gourmet Olive Oil Sprayer, available at www.midtownolivepress.com

My Carolina Today - Choosing The Right Shoe (6/21)

Savvy Stylist Suzanne Libfraind puts G 105′s Kentucky Kristen to the test on choosing the right shoe for summer’s hottest styles.



Suzanne shares these style tips:

1. No need to exactly match the color of your shoe to your outfit. Blending is better

2. Ballerina flats look best with capri pants, leggings, shorts or skirts with the hemline at or above the knee

3. Accessorizing your outfit from day to night will often require another style shoe

4. Stepping out of your comfort zone is great to try in the summer when shoes are less expensive because of the material used.

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Dressing Tips: When It Is Actually Too Hot To Wear Clothes

The thermometer is showing over 95 degrees and you wonder if you will soon combust or just sweat out every ounce of liquid through your pores! Before that happens, check out these tips and do a quick closet check to make sure you have the tools you need to survive the heat of summer:

1. Opt for washable natural fibers such as linen or cotton, avoid all man made fibers.


2. Wear as few layers as possible and loose fitting versus tight or binding.


3. Wear sleeveless or sundresses whenever possible, pairing with a light sweater for those occasions you step into a movie theatre or restaurant where they keep the air conditioning at 60 degrees.


4. Select cap sleeve shirts and tops if the sleeveless look is not an option due to a heavier upper arm. Make sure the sleeve set is at or right below the heaviest part of your arm.


5. Gravitate to skirts and avoid pants or capri’s .


6. Wear lighter color fabrics and avoid dark tones.


7. Consciously decide to wear less make up and focus on a more natural look. There’s nothing worse than the feeling that your make-up is melting and running.


8. This is an ideal time to incorporate a little white dress into your closet and dress it up or down as needed. Pair with a jacket or structured cardigan for business and a peep toe pump or a strappy sandal for night.


9. Dressing to fit corporate office culture gets challenging as the summer weather heats up. Instead of dressing in suits and jackets try a sleeveless sheath dress with structured and lined jackets of linen, seersucker or polished cotton.

Lastly, I always recommend keeping a small bottle of hydration mist in your purse. You would be amazed how a quick spritz of mist will refresh you in no time flat!

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!