Ask Allie: Flattering White Pants

I am totally against the belief that you can only have the figure of a supermodel to carry off white jeans and trousers. In my opinion, I find them to be quite flattering on muscular and curvy frames – it shows that you accept your body and dress for yourself and not to hide from the world. Come summer, white trousers, capris and jeans are a fabulous wardrobe staple as that they are dressier than classic blue denim, crisp looking and a perfect compliment to black, brights or even neutrals.

The problem comes to finding white pants that flatter ones frame. Reader Claire from Ohio asked me this question as that this is just after Memorial Day, seems like a perfect time to answer it!

Though you may be able to carry off snug-fitting black or denim pants, white is not as flattering in a slim silhouette. Also, white is prone to being transparent so not only your panty lines but your belly button, rear end and even the tiniest speck of cellulite can be on display in the wrong fabric or cut of white bottoms.

White Jeans: White jeans should never be tight, unless you are Kate Moss. Though you may prefer a slim or tailored bootcut style for your daily blues, a wider or trouser-inspired silhouette may prove to be more flattering and versatile when in the shade of white.

A classic cut (no crazy pockets, flared or stovepipe legs, really low rise) can double as trousers for evening get-togethers and nights out on the town, and can also pair with your favorite tee or tank and sandals for a trip to the mall. Keep the silhouette classic and you will get far more wear.

Some options:
Lauren by Ralph Lauren 'Tanya' Stretch Jeans (Plus) (pictured above right) – Starting at $75.00 from Nordstrom
Not Your Daughter's Jeans Tummy Tuck Retro Stretch Trouser Jeans (pictured above left) - $118 from Nordstrom
Gap Favorite Trouser Jean (Available in Petite and Tall) - $59.50 Online
Chico’s Platinum Charm Modern Fit Jean (Available in Variety of Inseams) – Currently On Sale for $47.50


White Trousers: Again, the look is not slim, but a straight or slightly wide leg look that glides over the frame. Crisp fabrics like twill, canvas and poplin give a elegant look, while linen and gauzy fabrics are an elegant compliment to beaded tunics and longer tanks. White is almost always transparent, so a thicker fabric or a lining will help smooth out your figure and keep your lingerie hidden. Crisper fabrics look great with a crease ironed down the front – it elongates the leg and often makes pants look more expensive and elegant.

Fabrics like linen, gauze and lightweight cotton are meant to be rumpled, so they look best paired with similar fabrics on top (silk, linen, cotton, gauze, even crocheted and lacy materials). Sturdier fabrics work with most everything from a tailored shirt to a casual knit. If the heavy fabric has a touch of lycra they will be more likely to repel creases, wrinkles and end-of-day bagging at the rear. Keep details to a minimum – a white pant is a great base garment and if they are free from adornment they become more versatile.

When purchasing white pants, give them the workout before leaving the fitting room. Sit in them, and see if and how they crease at the crotch when you return to standing. Bend over and check out the back view. Stand in front of light and see how they treat your legs. See the side view – white pants, especially ones with natural or higher rises can often accentuate a tummy or saddle bags. Don’t buy them unless they get your seal of approval.

Some options:
Banana Republic "Jackson" Chino Trouser (Available in Petite and Tall) (pictured above left) - $79.00 online
J. Jill Summertime Cotton Pants (Available in Petite, Tall and Women) - $69.00 online
Laura Clement Pure Linen Pants - On Sale for $29.99 at La Redoute
Boden Wideleg Drawstring Trousers - $84.00 online

White Shorts/Capris: White is a great choice for shorter pants – they look clean, crisp and are far more flattering (and less likely to make you look half-naked a few blocks away) than beige. Cropped pants and shorts in white must be of a heavier, crisp fabric so that they don’t end up looking like the bottom half of your pajamas or your husband’s underwear. Catalogs may show lovely ladies in flowing linen and gauzy shorts and capris, but on the regular woman who is walking around town, lifting herself in and out of a car and * gasp * sweating, lightweight short pants will not look lovely after leaving the bedroom.

Twill, cotton, denim are all good choices. The silhouette should skim the hips and rear, and then be straight down. Tight white shorts are not flattering on many, short white capris look as though they are part of a costume from the Broadway production of Grease!, and a-line or wide-leg short pants are not flattering on any feminine figure.

I used to be anti-shorts, but over the years, great silhouettes have emerged making this style of garment actually flattering. City shorts, walking shorts and Bermudas can be lovely on many figures. These are shorts that are not tight, not overly wide, crisp and hit somewhere just above to just below the knee. Having a crease down the front is always a nice touch which adds formality to such a casual garment.

Cropped pants should not be longer than where your calf begins. Those cropped pants that show just a hair of your ankle only make you look shorter and wider; any pant that hits at the widest part of your calf will give the illusion that your entire leg is of that size. A crisp, straight pant that hits at the top of the calf, or even a cuffed denim pair with a cuff is a great go-to with bright knits and tanks for weekends, and look lovely with a wedge heeled sandal and floaty chiffon top and long necklace for a Casual Friday at work.

Some options:
White House/Black Market's "Noir" Pedal Pusher (pictured above left) - $68.00 online
New York & Company's "Columbus Avenue" Crop Pant (pictured above right) - $34.95 online
Avenue's Chino Bermuda Shorts - Currently on sale for $19.99

Wednesday

Very sad about my domain hosting provider being idiots - sort of blogging to no one for I cannot even see my blog at this time. Hopefully it will soon be remedied, and thanks to all for sticking through this stupidity! :)

Attire:
Gap: Indigo cotton shirt
Old Navy: Black pencil skirt
Steven: Red pumps
J. Crew: Navy bead necklace
Other: Gold and blue enamel bracelet my dad got me and my sister when he was in France. I think I was... 6 when I received this bracelet?

Hair:
Second day
Bedhead tamed with curling iron
Finger combed

Beauty:
Cover Girl: Smoothers tinted moisturizer in Light/Medium; LashBlast mascara in Black
Philosophy: The Present clear makeup; The Supernatural Color Correctors in Light
Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Maybelline: Brow Powder in Dark Brown; UltraLiner in Black
Revlon: Super Lustrous lip gloss in Pink Afterglow
Body Shop: Eye Color in Taupe
Burberry London

The Weekend through Tuesday

Friday night I got home and realized I spilled on my dress, so I switched to the dress that arrived in the mail - the "Kate" dress from J. Crew in "Flame." This is a bright orange-red that I adore. On sale and with a coupon so the dress was a cheap as Old Navy. Score! Same accessories.

Attended a circle of women in my community which was really wonderful. Met some new people, connected closer with those I already knew, had some of the BEST watermelon of the season!

Saturday... for the life of me I cannot remember Saturday. Oh yes, yoga, then lunch with my mom, then ran errands. I came home and tried out some of the camping supplies for our upcoming trip to Bonnaroo, waterproofed my Duo boots, took a nap, went out to dinner... nothing terribly exciting and no pictures.

Sunday began with errands and then yoga.

Attire:
Old Navy: Navy knit dress that shrunk so is now a tunic
Victoria's Secret: Tan linen drawstring pants
J. Crew: Black stacked flops
H&M: Silver necklaces
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Second day, fingercombed

Makeup:
Cover Girl: Smoothers tinted moisturizer in Light/Medium, LashBlast mascara in Black

Victoria's Secret: Lip Gloss in French Kiss

After this , we headed to the Eastern Shore to visit our good friends. Knew it was a relaxed atmosphere and probably some time spent on the beach.

Attire:

J. Crew: "Kate" dress in Flame (sorry no full-length pic)

Reef: "Sandy" flops in Black

Misc: Coral/orange glass chip necklaces (2) from a boutique in Rehoboth Beach (picture shows gold necklace but I decided to change it)

Hair:

Same, just a bit wind blown from lakeside yoga

Beauty:

Revlon: Super Lustrous lip Gloss in Pink Afterglow

Body Shop: Eye Definer in Black

Rest is leftover from earlier

We had a great time, saw lots of friends, played with their son who just turned 1, chilled on the beach and grilled for dinner. Got a bit of sun even though I put on the SPF 30.

Monday we went to visit friends in Northern Virginia who just got a new place and were having a cookout/housewarming. Again no full-length pic, just a shot of me in the back seat en route.

Attire:

Banana Republic: Black merino shift

Lands End: Gold sandals

J. Crew: Gold necklace

Twisted Silver: Gold bracelet

Ann Taylor: Gold hoops

Hair:

Washed and conditioned the night before

Matrix Curl.Life Contouring Milk

Air dry

Next day, hit the bangs and any bedhead with a curling iron

Fingercomb

Beauty:

Cover Girl: Smoothers tinted moisturizer in Light/Medium, LashBlast mascara in Black

Cargo: BeachBlush in Tenerife

Revlon: Super Lustrous lip gloss in Pink Afterglow

Body Shop: Eye color in Taupe, eye definer in Black

And then today, which is Tuesday. Had to get up very early for a doctor's appointment before work, hence the shots in the dark. :) Also since it was early, I kept it simple and tossed on a look I had worn many times already this weekend!

Attire:

J. Crew: "Kate" dress in Flame, gold necklace

Lands End: Gold sandals

Ann Taylor: Gold hoops

Twisted Silver: Gold bracelet

Hair:

Washed and conditioned with Pureology

Matrix Curl.Life conditioning milk

Air dried 50%, rest with diffuser

Curling iron used to smooth bangs

Beauty:

Philosophy: The Present clear makeup, The Supernatural Color Correctors in Light

Cover Girl: Smoothers tinted moisturizer in Light/Medium, LashBlast mascara in Black

Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife

Revlon: Super Lustrous lip gloss in Pink Afterglow

Body Shop: Eye color in Taupe

Burberry London

Friday

Wow, feels as though most of the city decided to make this weekend a four-day! The tran was so empty and the office is quiet! I myself am leaving at noon!

Attire:
- Ann Taylor: Red ponte dress, gold "twig" bracelets, gold hoops
- J. Crew: Gold necklace
- Lands End: Gold sandals
- Banana Republic Outlet: Black pnte collarless jacket (worn as coat)

Hair:
- Cut and styled last night
- Woke to major bedhead from nightmares, tossing and turning. No energy to fix it properly so I pulled out the Croc wet-to-dry iron and flattened the whole thing
- Small amount of Jonathan Silky Dirt to smooth

Beauty:
- Philosophy: The Present clear makeup, The Supernatural Color Correctors in Light
- Nars: Blush in Orgam
- Revlon: Shiny Sheers in Sheer Cherry Pop, ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - the ivory on lid
- Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Black
- Maybelline: UltraLiner in Black, brow powder in Dark Brown
- Burberry London

This weekend has some events but not terribly crazy. First meeting of a women's circle for some of us in my community, and good friends recently moved and are having a housewarming/Memorial Day cookout on Monday. Other than that, the weekend is open - just the way I like it! Hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and holiday!

Blogging Love - Interview!

I was honored to be interviewed by Elle of the new blog Label Ho. Elle's discusses fashion and her personal style on this site. I love supporting fellow fashion and style bloggers so I jumped at this chance to have us get to know one another better!

You can check out the interview here.

I loved the questions she asked (and if you go back in her archives, you can see her answers to the very same questions!). The name of her blog cracks me up. It reminds me of when I was Editor of my high school yearbook. I had such the fight with the sponsor over the proper spelling of this word. "If you add an 'e' it's suddenly a garden tool!" (Let's not even get into why this word was in my yearbook - let me just state that my high school was a fabulous one where I learned Japanese and was in International Baccalaureate courses, but it wasn't in the most chi chi of neighborhoods.)

Since she interviewed me, I decided to ask her a few questions as well. Get to know Elle!

Name: "Elle," author of Label Ho, a fashion and personal style blog

Why did you start blogging? What could be better than writing and posting about something you love? I thought it would be a fun hobby and a great way to connect with other fashion-minded people.

Favorite item in your closet: An authentic vintage Gucci handbag circa the 70s. I love that its suede and doesn't have the GG logo plastered all over it. I found the bag at a thrift shop and its in immaculate condition. Best of all, I got it for an excellent price!

Favorite Web site to visit: FabSugar.com. They have pretty comprehensive coverage of what's going on in the fashion world, delivered in quick, short posts. I also like that they post great outfits that members of their community put together. I'm fascinated with seeing what people put together.

Top five items on your style wish list for this season: I can only think of three since I think I pretty much have most of my key pieces already:

1. Another pair of dark bootleg jeans. I've pretty much worn my favorite pair so much (Joe's Jeans in the Honey fit) that the color's faded significantly.

2. More dresses. I've purchased a few already, but I just can't get enough. They're so easy to pull on in summer.

3. A pair of wide-leg jeans. I've tried on a ton of different ones, but still haven't found a flattering fit.

Thursday

Please disregard my weird eyes, got some sort of weird redness/ rritation late last night while watching American Idol and still woke with it. Tried to cover with concealer and shadow but it just now looks as though I don't know how to apply shado! Haha, well the lumpy red itchiness is gone already so I was able to rub my makeup into normalcy. :)

Attire:
- Old Navy: Gray slub tee with puffed sleeves, white ribbed tank
- Ann Taylor: Black ponte skirt
- Duo Boots: Tan "Bern" boots
- H&M: Silver necklaces
- Vintage: Lilac silk scarf
- Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
- Washed and conditioned with Pureology
- Matrix Curl.Life Contouring Milk
- Dried with diffuser

Beauty:
- Philosophy: The Present clear makeup, The Supernatural Color Correctors in Light
- Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
- Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Black, Smoothers tinted moisturizer in Light/Medium
- Body Shop: Eye color in Taupe
- Maybelline: Shadow quad in Mocha Motion (the silvery color blended with the Body Shop color); UltraLiner in Black; brow powder in Dark Brown
- Shu Eumura: Lash curler
- Revlon: Super Lustrous lip gloss in Pink Afterglow
- Burberry London

So this is my hair in its natural curly state. No brushing, no combing, no curling irons, about a minute with the dryer but not even any scrunching. I am getting my hair cut and colored tonight so I figured I wouldn't put a ton into the look. Not as polished as I usually like, but it's not too bad. Just a week of letting my hair go curly really changes its attitude and performance. I hope to wear it curly through the summer - far easier especially in the humidity and when I sweat!

Wednesday

The light doesn't properly show the gorgeous hue of this top! It's a beautiful deep teal/emerald green and a silk knit so it just seems to glow from within. I look down and get happy just looking at the color! I really need to look into a tripod so I can use flash and get a good distance and color for these pics...

Attire:
- Ann Taylor: Green silk tee, black tropical weight wool trousers
- Target: Black leather thong heels, silver and glass bead necklace
- Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
- Second Day
- Bedhead tamed with curling iron
- Fingercombing

Beauty:
- Philosophy: The Present clear makeup, The Supernatural Color Correctors in Light
- Nars: Blush in Orgasm
- Cover Girl: Smoothers tinted moisturizer in Light/Medium, LashBlast mascara in Black
- Shu Eumura: Lash Curler
- Maybelline: UltraLiner in Black, brow powder in Dark Brown, Shadow Quad in... not sure of name and seems to now be discontinued per Maybelline site (used a silvery white and a mauvey-gray blended together)
- Revlon: Super Lustrous lip gloss in Pink Afterglow

Tuesday

ANOTHER dreary day in DC! I am so over rain! Right now the sun is trying to peek out, but it's not looking too fabu for the rest of the week...

Attire:
- Old Navy: Olive linen puff sleeve sheath from 2007
- Burlington Coat Facrtory: Purple pashmina
- Twisted Silver: Bracelet
- Ann Taylor: Hoops
- J. Crew: Gold necklace
- Beach boutique: Tortoise shell necklace
- Duo Boots: "Bern" boots in tan

Hair:
- Washed and conditioned
- Matrix Curl.Life Contouring Milk
- Hair dryer with diffuser
- Frizzy sections tamed with curling iron

Beauty:
- Philosophy: The Present clear makeup, The Supernatural Color Correctors in Light
- Cover Girl: Smoothers tinted moisturizer in Light/Medium, LashBlast mascara in Black
- Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
- Revlon: Shiny Sheers in Sheer Plumdrop
- Body Shop: Eye Color in Taupe, Eye Definer in Slate
Maybelline: Brow color in Dark Brown
- Burberry London Eau de Toilette

Ask Allie: Where to Shop?

Gretchen asks:

I have a question: Where can I find affordable, stylish, chic clothing for myself, a woman over 40 who is also petite and roundish. In other words: clothing that is not sleeveless, mini-skirted, ultra-tight, or frumpy? I am discouraged by recent visits to Ann Taylor Loft, J. Jill, and Talbots, formerly good sources.

Hey Gretchen:

I feel your pain, and have many times over the past several years. It’s awful when our go-to stores decide to change their concept and leave their regular customers in the lurch. When Ann Taylor got matronly again, when Express changed their sizing, when J. Crew started charging an arm and a leg for a basic knit top… been there, experienced that. On top of such corporate changes, it’s hard when the season seems to be all about silhouettes and trends you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing. My petite curvy body is NOT made for a jersey maxi dress that can’t be worn with a proper bra, and these study legs look ridiculous in pedal pushers.

So what do you do when you hit the mall and hate everything that you see? A stylish woman doesn’t cave in to trends she doesn’t find flattering and she doesn’t settle for less-than-fabulous frocks. A lot of effort and planning goes into having effortless style regardless of the trends. Here’s a few tips to get through the bad fashion spells:

Shop year-round for what you like and what you look good wearing. Find a great dress at a department store in the after-summer sale? Grab it, and maybe in two shades. You may not be able to wear it for several months, but you will be prepared for the next warm spell. When you visit outlet and factory stores, don’t look just for the now, but the five months from now. This is the best way to score cheap quality cashmere, classics like suiting, pencil skirts, boots and trousers for far less. If you buy classic pieces that fit your lifestyle and personality, you should be just as in love with them next season as you are when you purchase them.

Dig a bit deeper. I recently received a J. Jill catalog in the mail and was horrified by many of the fashions on the pages. J. Jill has never been my personal style, but I admired the flowing fabrics, natural colors and feminine silhouettes. This catalog was filled with dowdy, matronly, cheap looking knits in those semi-pastel hues that flatter no skintone on this planet. Melon-colors tanks with nautical-printed elastic-waist shorts in the most awful of lengths, dresses of gaudy florals that made the slim models look as though they were in their third trimester, even the shoes were the most unflattering T-strap (leg-shortening) styles with matronly heights of heels. What the heck happened?

Heading to the J. Jill Web site, I see that this wasn’t the new look of a popular brand, but just one aspect of their current collection. They still had simple pieces (personal fan of their Splendid linen dress) with elegant lines… they just were trying out a new look with a fancy-dancy little catalog sent out to a certain market.

Often times retailers will try out a new look to a test market, or in a small section of their stores. If it sells well, you may see more of the same in the next season. If not, it will be quickly sent to the sale rack. Stores will often put these new collections in the window and on front tables in hopes of enticing new customers. If you usually have luck in these stores, don’t be deterred by the new look; take a walk inside and often you will find your favorites along the side walls.

Speak up! You detest the direction your favorite brand has taken? Let it know. Tell a store manager (in a calm and pleasant way), write a letter or send an email. I have a friend who works for a popular women’s retailer. A couple of years ago they tried a new feel for the stores and for their line of clothing. The new concept hardly lasted a season – though their sales didn’t drop significantly (they still had plenty of staples and accessories), regular customers made quite a stink with letters, emails, calls and complaints to store staff. The company understood that these who took the time to comment were their bread and butter customers; to upset them could mean losing them all. They listened, made changes and kept their customers as well as profit margins.

Most Web sites have a hyperlink at the bottom of the home page for feedback or customer service. Usually an email address is offered along with a toll-free number and mailing address. In this day and age, I have found emails to be responded to far more quickly and professionally than phone calls. However, use the method that makes you the most comfortable. Let your voice be heard – you are the one holding the purse strings!

Go outside the box. You’re a Talbots gal? Well before you walk in those red doors at the mall, take a quick peek in some other retailers. You never know, you might find the perfect garment in Eddie Bauer, J. Crew, Coldwater Creek or Eileen Fisher. Despise the color story in Ann Taylor Loft? You may be shocked to find your new favorite tee at American Eagle, Banana Republic, Chico’s or Limited. Another good place to hit up are the big box discounters like Marshall’s and TJ Maxx. Loved last year’s fashions? You will be more likely to find them at these shops, and for great prices too. You also have the ability to shop a variety of brands in one location.

Clothing shopping can be tough, especially when you aren’t a wealthy 21-year old with the body of a mannequin. Don’t let the trends or the retailers own you; you ultimately have the final say for you hold the power – the wallet. In these financial times, retailers care even more that their customers are happy and returning again and again. Don’t be afraid to flex your shopping muscle and say your piece or take your money to another store.

Friday Through Monday

Sorry I am late with Friday... the day was so busy I never got a chance to breathe, let alone post!

Friday was muggy and humid and rainy and gross and I was still feeling under the weather. I wanted to wear something as comfortable as jammies.

Attire:
Ann Taylor: Blue jersey top, triacetate suiting trousers
Banana Republic: Black jersey cami
Mossimo for Target: Black leather heeled thongs
H&M: Silver necklaces
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Second day, brushed out and large sections around curling iron.

Beauty:
Cover Girl: Smoothers Tinted Moisturizer in Light/Medium, LashBlast mascara in Black
Philosophy: The Present clear makeup, The Supernatural Color Correctors in Light
Nars: Blush in Orgasm
Body Shop: Eye Color in Slate and Soft Black
Clinique: Long Wearing Lipstick in Beauty

Saturday was a lot of house cleaning and errand running. I wore my black tee shirt dress and black stacked flops, a beaded necklace and minimal makeup. No pictures.

Sunday we had friends over for a casual get together. Had a great time, despite the rain!

Attire:
Gap: Indigo cotton shirt, The Essential Jeans in dark wash
J. Crew: Navy beaded necklace

Hair:
Was washed the night before and air dried with some Matrix Curl.Life Contouring Milk
Next morning curled with iron - big sections
Matrix: Sleek.Look hairspray

Beauty:
Cover Girl: Smoothers tinted moisturizer in Light/Medium, LashBlast mascara in Black
Clinique: Almost Lipstick in Black Honey (on cheeks as well as on lips)


And now today.

Attire:
Old Navy: Black matte jersey wrap dress
Ann Taylor: Gold hoops
Twisted Silver: Gold bracelet (won on the blog Shopalicious!)
BCBGirls: Black croco peeptoe heels (wore gold sandals for my commute)

Hair:
Second day, large sections around iron and then fingercombed

Makeup:
Philosophy: The Present clear makeup, The Supernatural Color Correctors concealer in Light
Cover Girl: Smoothers tinted mositurizer in Light/Medium, LashBlast mascara in Black
Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Body Shop: Eye color in Taupe
Clinique: Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

Ask Allie: Adding Romantic Elements to a Wardrobe

Hi Allie,
Can you recommend a way to start to add romantic elements to a wardrobe? My wardrobe mostly consists of classic pieces and my body shape doesn't do well with ruffles, bows and frou-frou, but I have a romantic personality and would like to express that in my clothing.

For instance, I've got lots of t-shirt dresses for summer in vibrant colors - any way to add some romantic details to those?

Thanks!
Amy


Hi Amy!
Great question! Staples are great because they are versatile, but they really don’t show your true personality. Solid colors and clean lines often give a more professional/hardened feel if not accessorized correctly. This makes it extra difficult for those who have a softer or more romantic side. Here’s a few suggestions to make those t-shirt dresses and other classic pieces for your romantic self:

Scarves: A beautiful large, square silk scarf in a romantic floral or painterly pattern can transform most any style. Tied in a square knot at your throat with that t-shirt dress will make the style more feminine and polished; add a delicate gold bracelet and some delicate heels and what could have been quite the knock around garment is now elegant. An oblong scarf looped around the throat dresses up a simple shift dress or top – combine it with a necklace or two and you have a romantic version of a simple tank and jeans. That oblong scarf can also replace a belt for a simple shell and trousers (tie in a knot and have the knot off to the side so it hangs as a sash), and there is nothing more elegant than tying your square scarf to the handle of your handbag. In place of a cardigan or blazer, wear a shawl or pashmina, the drapey fabric gives a romantic feel to the most standard of pieces.
Both looks from Ann Taylor

Jewelry: I am a HUGE jewelry-aholic. Any trip I take, thrift store I enter, or even cheap kid’s boutique I pass in the mall, I check out the jewelry selection available. No accessory can show your true personality better than a great jewelry collection. Yesterday walking down the street, I saw a woman wearing the same dress I own. It is a black ponte knit sheath with short sleeves and a square neckline. I had to look twice to recognize the dress for her jewelry completely transformed its look. She had a long strand of pearls looped around to make a choaker and then an opera-length of beads. Along with it, she had an opera-length strand of thin gold links that were interspersed with crystal drops. A gold and crystal bracelet matched this necklace. The look was so feminine and romantic, it completely transformed what I saw as a dress with very strong, graphic lines.

Pearls are always a safe bet, as are bracelets with charms or baubles. Don’t worry about piling them on if they are in a similar style set (all gold, all beaded, all antiqued silver) – this gives even more of a romantic and individual look. I have an old coworker who used to soften her business suits with cameos and vintage brooches – they were elegant, unique and showed that she was a romantic soul under all that pinstripe!

Next time you go shopping, wear a simple outfit and check out your look in a mirror and you experiment with different pieces of jewelry. You will be amazed how a simple necklace or pair of earrings will give a whole new life and style to your wardrobe basics.
Both looks from Wendy Brandes

Shoes: We women are so lucky, this season seems to accept most any style of shoe. Like a chunky wood wedge? No problem. More the type to love a delicate kitten heel? That works! Whether you like flats or stilettos, platforms or Pumas, there is a style that you can find and fits your personality.

It is getting far too warm for this now, but come fall, boots are a great choice. Flat riding boots, lace-up granny boots with delicate heels, sleek leather boots with pointed toes and slim heels, nothing else better defines a look than a great pair of boots. To show your romantic side, don’t be afraid of details like frog closures, decorative heels, lacing, or unusual colors like Bordeaux, gray, hunter or navy. A great and unique boot can be a signature piece that works with tights and a simple dress, a romantic floaty skirt, or even over slim jeans or leggings with a men’s inspired fisherman sweater.

I often tell women that if you can’t wear a certain color near your face, you often can near your ankles. Look terrible in yellow but love the hue? Get yourself some great yellow sandals! Can’t wear lace and bows and frou-frou? Why not let your shoes have the fun. Take a simple black shift dress and add spectator pumps, peeptoes with a pink grosgrain bow, floral silk mules with a kitten heel and you look stylish yet true to yourself. Having a simple wardrobe makes it easier to get creative with your footwear, since they will take center stage and most likely compliment a larger portion of your closet.
Both looks from J. Crew

Purses: So all the It Girls are carrying a leather hobo big enough to store a family of four… that doesn’t mean you need to. Another thing the lady on the street with pearls and my dress had was a clutch purse. It was black leather, rouched, and looked large enough to comfortably carry all her necessities. Tucking her bag into her elbow instead of hiking it over her shoulder gave a completely different effect and silhouette – far more feminine, delicate and romantic.

If clutches aren’t your thing, try a handbag. My good friend who sees Marilyn Monroe as a style icon always carries a small ivory wicker bag with red ribbon handles each summer. The bag is so sweet and feminine; it really transforms her look, even if she’s heading to the market in a tee and capris. Classic Kelly bags are a great choice, as are bags you have picked up on your travels. Made of unique fabrics and styles, they will be a signature piece that adds your true self to your finished look.
Both looks by Nordstrom

Your Hair: We often get into the long-layered rut. It’s simple, it’s easy and everyone else is doing it. Well if you are a romantic, long straightened hair doesn’t always fit the look. Try a beach spray (or make your own with water and sea salt) and encourage natural waves. If your hair is naturally curly, let your wild show with a cascade of curls, or a face-softening short cut that gives a halo of spirals around your head. A few warm highlights can really transform your look and add depth to your natural color. If you have bangs, consider growing them out into a layer or having them made into a side-swept style that is more relaxed and feminine. If you are a romantic, longer hair is often more flattering (no matter your age). Keep it relaxed but well maintained and your mane alone can add much romance to your classic look.

Finally, what you wear underneath may not be seen by the public, but it affects how you stand and how you feel. Invest in some feminine frilly confections for your lingerie drawer. You may be buttoned up in wool gabardine, but your lovely lacy bras, panties and slips will remind you that you are all woman!

How to Have Style

I would like to thank Polly from my French Chic group for bringing my attention to this article from PsychologyToday.com. I think this is an amazing article that really defines style and how it is different from fashion and not a superficial, stupid characteristic to possess. Many times I feel I have to apologize for having a blog about style, thinking people find me to be materialistic and silly to care so much about such a subject. But style is not stupid, materialistic, or silly and Hara Estroff Marano defines style quite perfectly in this article. Enjoy!

How to Have Style
Unlike fashion, a sense of style comes from within.
By: Hara Estroff Marano

It’s clear to me from the many people I talk to that there is a great misunderstanding about style. Style is not a price. It is not an age. It is not a size. And it can be learned.

Style is one part self-knowledge and one part self-confidence. In other words, it’s an attitude. It is a life-affirming expression of your character and spirit, a conviction that you are worth knowing, worth looking at and can present yourself well. It is knowing your strengths and weaknesses so that you can accentuate your strengths, not hide real or imagined shortcomings. Feeling good about yourself is a sine qua non of looking good.

There is one more element of style, and that is clothes, but style should never be confused with fashion. Fashion is synonymous with clothes, but style is merely expressed through clothes. Fashion is IN the clothes. Style is IN the wearer.

Style is nothing if not a celebration of individuality, of individual variability. It glorifies the fact that we are all different. It exposes as preposterous the notion that there is an ideal body, an ideal woman—that there is only one perfect way to look, that any one way is perfect for all
women. Style always delights because it is a revelation that the possibilities for originality are limitless.

Style rejects ideals. It goes its own way. In fact, style is nothing if not a triumph of the fresh and unusual.

Style is democratic. It assumes that every woman has the potential to create an identity that’s unique, and to express it through how she carries herself, how she grooms herself, what she puts on.

Yet style is aristocratic. It sets apart those who have it from those whose dress is merely functional, utilitarian. It announces to the world that the wearer has a sense of herself and has assumed command of herself.

Style is intelligent, because it requires self-knowledge. Style hugs the self closely, even though it never represents the whole self at one time. The self is too complex to be represented by any one way of dressing.

Style is optimistic. It is optimism made visible. Style presumes that you are a person of interest, that the world is a place of interest, that life is worth making the effort for.

There is no style without taking risk, without exploring new sides of the self, without saving what works and discarding the errors. Style, then, is a springboard for personal growth.

There are those who criticize style for its trendiness and materialistic consumption. But they are confusing style with fashion. Fashion is preoccupied with change merely for change’s sake, to stoke consumer purchases.

Style is in fact a way of avoiding the clutter of stuff. It is a way of sorting through the crowded marketplaces, a way of selecting, making choices influenced not so much by pressures such as advertising but by internal considerations. This kind of style no more requires change from season to season that does your character. But neither is it completely static. Ideally it should evolve over time, as character does.

Style is really self-knowledge applied selectively—selectivity is its essence—to the material world.

Psyched
for Success, 20 November 2003
Last Reviewed 29 Mar 2006
Article ID: 3123

Thursday

Attire:
- Gap: Indigo cotton shirt from their Euro collection
- Ann Taylor: Tropical weight wool trousers in black
- J. Crew: blue bead necklace (went on sale for $30 and I had a coupon and store credit! Now the necklace is back up to $70 or so...)
- Mossimo for Target: Black leather heeled thongs

Hair:
- Washed and conditioned
- Matrix Curl Life Contouring Milk added while damp, scrunched
- Hair dried while sleeping
- This morning, hit the front and size that were scraggly with a curling iron
- Matrix Sleek hairspray to set

Makeup:
- L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3
- Revlon: ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory on brow bone; Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Glossy Rose
- Body Shop: Eye Color in Taupe
- Imju Fiberwig mascara
- Nars: Blush in Orgasm
- Maybelline: Brow powder in Dark Brown

Still not feeling completely up to snuff, but far better than earlier this week!

Your Challenge This Week

Your challenge – until Memorial Day (we’re talking only 12 days, 10 if you exclude today and the 26th) be good to yourself and your fellow woman. What do I mean?

1. Accept that you are a woman, not a moving mannequin. Of COURSE you will have some softness, bumps and lumps in various places. Moaning over them, cursing them and tugging at them doesn’t make them disappear and just ruins your mood, which affect your appearance. Every time you are ready to scowl at your reflection, stop in your tracks and find something you are happy about. Fabulous pedicure? Feminine ankles? Stop-in-your-tracks lashes? Maybe you are starting to see results from your new gym membership, or are always told you have the most infectious smile. Those who have high self esteem are seen as being more attractive to others – for a week allow yourself to accept and heck… even LOVE yourself and see how reactions will change!

2. Go a week without the rags. Can you do it, a week without TMZ, Perez, InTouch and OK!? A week without guessing who’s cellulite is being pictured on the front of the Inquirer, and what It Girl was caught sans makeup (or panties) the day before. Why do we find such entertainment in finding fellow women not look their best? It doesn’t help our appearance, or our soul. You may find a week without the gossip sites and rags may actually make you feel better about yourself.

3. Before you judge, try to place yourself in her shoes. “Omigod, did you see what SHE WAS WEARING?” “That woman should NOT be wearing that with HER figure.” “What a fat-ass, her skin is disgusting, wow she looks so old for her age!” How many times have you caught yourself whispering something similar to your friend (or whispering it to yourself)? Often times, those we judge we judge unfairly. Possibly that woman has a medical condition, is pregnant, just gave birth, is going through a nasty divorce, is cramming for The Bar, had a death in the family, had her house burn down and is wearing donated clothes… gosh the reasons could be endless and extreme. Thing is, we are so harsh on our fellow woman without stopping to wonder WHY, or to offer assistance. Have an acquaintance who can’t style her way out of a paper bag? Instead of gossiping about her tapered chinos over mojitos with your friends, offer a makeover day with a shopping trip (or a shop in her closet day). See a stranger at the fitting room admiring her reflection while you know that dress does nothing for her hips? Instead of sneering or giggling, why not gently offer her your opinion and an alternative choice?

No woman WANTS to look unflattering, she usually doesn’t have a clue how to change her style or get out from under her personal woes. Try to get into her shoes and think, if you were she, what would you like to hear or what would you need at that moment? You never know when karma will come back and assist you during a time of need.

One week of being considerate and compassionate to your fellow woman, and to your self. Amazing how one week can totally change your outlook on life and alter your priorities. Start the summer off great by detoxing your mindset. I challenge all of you to try this and come back and let me know how it went!

Wednesday

Attire:
- Banana Republic: Dark red merino shift dress
- Express: Red print silk scarf
- Silhouettes: Brown suede slouchy tall boots
- Silver cuff and hoops

Hair:
- Second day, brushed with wood-bristle brush but otherwise left alone

Beauty Products:
- L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3
- Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
- Revlon: ColorStay Sheer lipcolor in Sheer Plum
- Body Shop: Eye Color in Taupe
-Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Black
- Maybelline: UltraLiner in black, brow powder in Dark Brown

Tuesday

Sorry no pics... forgot my camera at work last night! :(

But I am proof positive that what you wear affects how you feel. This morning I felt AWFUL. I had chills, aches, headache, and wanted to curl up in the fetal position under my comforter and sleep another 10 hours. No can do, duty (work) called so I had to get up. Instead of wearing those Essential Jeans for Day #4 (shudder) I decided to take a good shower where I scrubbed from head to toe, and wore a dress and heels. You must understand I wanted to wear nothing but fleece, flannel and puffy slippers but putting on a dress and heels really forced me to stand up and wake up. Four hours later, I am feeling almost excellent and look far better than I felt!

Red crepe jersey dress (the one with the neck bow and the puffed sleeves) from Maggy London, black patent Mary Janes from Nine West. No jewelry, I just didn't feel like it.

Hair was washed and conditioned (man, that Purelogy stuff is amazing, totally wakes you right up!), and then dried with my Croc wet-to-dry flat iron. A bit of Brilliant Brunette finishing cream to smooth.

Makeup is Philosophy's The Present clear makeup, L'Oreal True Match foundation in C3, Philosophy The Supernatural Color Correctors concealer trio in Light, Nars blush in Orgasm, Revlon ColorStay lipcolor in Rich Raisin, Body Shop eye color in Taupe, Cover Girl LashBlast mascara in black and Maybelline UltraLiner in black.

The sun is peeking out... looks as though it is going to be a good day!

Wet Weekend... Jeans Take Center Stage

This weekend was cold, rainy, gross. Friday night I went to dinner with my mom and her boyfriend and headed to bed pretty early.

Saturday I did a home overhaul - major cleaning. I gutted the closet and dresser and attic, bagging up clothes for donation, to sell (will let you know when the selling blog is updated), and to box up for next season. Lots of vacuuming, washing, dusting and organizing. That evening we went to my cousin's for a family cookout.

The weather was nice for the cookout – we sat outside and chatted, but came inside to actually eat. It was a casual affair – my cousin, his wife, his daughter, me, my sister, my mom and my Aunt. Mr. Allie had a photo shoot. I decided to dress comfy, especially since I wasn’t feeling all that hot.

Attire:
- Old Navy: Teal cotton babydoll top
- Gap: the Essential jean in darkest wash
- Lands End: Gold flat sandals
- J. Crew: Gold necklace
- Ann Taylor: Gold hoops and bracelet

Hair:
- Washed and conditioned the night before and let air dry
- Brushed out, large sections in curling iron and then finger combed.

Makeup:
- Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Black, Smoothers Tinted Moisturizer in Light/Medium
- Clinique: Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
- Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
- Pop Beauty: Shadow palette for brown eyes – the khaki on lid

Sunday was wet and horrible, but it was Mother’s Day and we had plans! Last minute my husband was available so we decided to get breakfast. Not as easy as we had hoped, so breakfast ended up being at a small bakery near my mom’s house. No worries, the big plans were for later that day – we took her to her first game at the new Washington National baseball stadium! My mom is a big baseball and Nats fan and was very excited. We had great seats and they were passing out white hats with a pink W (for the Susan G. Komen foundation) so we all looked alike. Unfortunately it rained, but we were prepared with ponchos so we stuck it out. As for attire, I stuck to my one pair of jeans!

Attire:
- Old Navy: Black slub knit puff-sleeved tee
- Gap: The Essential jeans in darkest wash
- Converse: One Star “Chucks” low-tops in black
- Vintage: red stone necklace (to show Nats support)
- Silver hoops and cuff bracelet

Hair:
- Washed and conditioned
- Dried with Croc wet-to-dry flat iron

Makeup:
- philosophy: The Present clear makeup
- Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Black, Smoothers Tinted Moisturizer in Light/Medium
- Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
- Clinique: Long Wearing lipstick in Beauty
- Pop Beauty: Shadow set for brown eyes – the khaki with a touch of gold on lids
- Maybelline: UltraLiner in black on top lash line

After the game I hung out on the couch wrapped in blankets watching movies with my husband, our friend and our dog. Last night I gave myself a mini facial in hopes it would make me feel and look a bit better.

Today is cold, rainy, miserable and I am not feeling all that hot. This is the, “you are lucky I even came to work” look, which explains jeans on Day #3….

Attire:
- Top and jeans from Saturday
- Shoes, bracelet and earrings from Sunday
- Ross: Stained glass and silver necklace

Hair:
- Second day, brushed.

Makeup:
- L’Oreal: True Match foundation in C3
- Nars: Blush in Orgasm
- Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Black
- Revlon: Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Glossy Rose
- Body Shop: Eye Color in Taupe

Friday

Attire:
- Banana Republic: black sheath dress (via eBay)
- Duo: "Bern" boots in tan
- J. Crew: Gold necklace
- Ann Taylor: Gold hoops
- Ralph Lauren: Gold bangle
- Express: Camel and berries silk scarf, knotted a few times and tied as a necklace

Hair:
- Washed and conditioned with Pureology
- Pureology blowdry amplifier
- Got2B curling mousse
- Dried with diffuser
- Frizzy part (right side of head) fixed with curling iron
- Lightly brushed with wood bristle brush

Makeup:
- Philosophy: The present clear makeup, The Supernatural Color Correctors concealer trio in Light
- Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
- Pop Beauty: Palette for brown eyes - the khaki and gold blended on lid
- Clinique: Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
- Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in black
- Maybelline: UltraLiner in Black and brow powder in Dark Brown
- Shu Eumura: Lash curler
- Burberry London Eau de Toilette

And finally, these pictures are by my new sassy camera! I am in lurrve with it. It is more than I expected to pay, but with upcoming social and life events, I feel it is worth it. For those who are wondering, I got the Canon PowerShot SX100 IS. It has a 10x optical zoom and as you can see by these quickly-shot pics, takes pictures with really clear and true color. Loving it.

Today is rainy and gross, which is why I am wearing these boots again. As everyone else sloshes around in rubber Wellingtons, these boots keep me just as dry, but far more cozy and comfy. I adore these boots, I may have to take them to Bonnaroo this year!