The fashion industry moves fast! Sure it’s cold outside, but it’s spring in the fashion world. Designers showed their collections during fashion week and buyers bought these collections in September 2011, and already the Fall showings are planned for February 2012. What’s my point? If you want to buy anything else for this winter season, you’d better act fast! Unlike what’s in the stores right now, the Carlisle Collection  still has an amazing selection of fall and winter clothes in all sizes. You’ll be able to create beautiful, complete outfits. BUT…Carlisle moves in the same  fashion as the rest of the industry and the Fall and Holiday collections will only be available through Tuesday, January 24, 2012. If you’ve been chomping at the bit to see the  spring trends, the spring collection will be available at the on line Carlisle boutique on Thursday, January 26, 2012. Be sure to register, so I can be of any customer service you might need. If you'd like advice from an image consultant on your purchase, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Perhaps you’ve been reading my blog posts and e-Style Tips lately about this spring’s trend of bright colors, and you’ve thinking “that is not for me.” You want to be stylish, but you simply don’t want your clothes to scream “look at me!”  Well, you’re in luck.  Summer neutrals such as white, ivory, beige, light gray, mocha, and khaki are just as “in” as the brights you’ve been reading about. While bright colors can be over powering and garish, neutrals stand the chance of being a little boring.

Here’s how to wear neutral colors for a sophisticated, interesting image.

1. Texture. Especially if you’re wearing a monochromatic outfit, varying the texture will keep it interesting. Think of an off white, Chanel-ish boucle jacket with off white (ivory) gabardine slacks and a silk jacquard blouse for an office worthy look. Look to trims, embroidery, open weaves, eyelet and more to have fun with your neutral spring/summer wardrobe.
2. Details. Detailed styles are also more interesting than simple styles. For example, a dove gray ruched top will be more flattering and out of the ordinary than a plain, gray t-shirt or shell.
3. Edgy accessories. If updating your neutral clothes is all you’re

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In today’s age of post consumerism, the concept of cost per wear is more important than ever. In my chapter from Image Power, Shop like a Pro & Look like a Million Bucks, I offer the tip that you should only buy what you love. Certainly you’re not going to love your clothes like your children, pet or significant other, but let’s look at the concept a little closer. You want to spend time with your loved ones. So it should be with your clothes that you love. On the other hand, when you buy clothes that you’re only luke warm about, you won’t be as excited to wear them. Back to the cost per wear equation—when you wear something to death, your cost per wear is very low, even if you spent a lot of money on it. Consider the following:

A $10 top you may wear once = $10 per wear A $100 top you may wear 20 times = $5 per wear a much better value "Go for clothes that become your friends, so when you open your closet you smile." -Diane Von Furstenberg