Sure, everyone knows the power of the little black dress, but what about the little blue dress, or the little white dress or the little lime green dress? A somewhat basic dress in almost any solid color can prove itself to be the chameleon we know as the little black dress. Let’s start with the little blue dress. Both a client and I coincidentally own this ocean blue, organic cotton knit dress from Coquette. (In real life, it's the color is more saturated and it's a little longer.) However, we wear it completely differently. Last week, I helped her create outfits for her busy schedule and incorporated this dress into a casual, weekend getaway. We styled it for day with flat sandals and silver jewelry. To dress it up a bit for dinner, all she'll  do is change into higher wedges and larger earrings. I’ve accessorized my “little blue dress” with:

• Black gladiator sandals with silver studs, silver hoops, and silver bracelets.

• Metallic sandals with a 1” heel, antique gold and royal blue drop earrings, and a stack of gold bangles.

• Nude platform wedges, ebony/wood bracelet and earrings.

Because the dress is cotton knit, it (Read more...)

It’s just around the corner…wedding season! If you’ve recently received a wedding invitation and don’t have a thing to wear, here are a few pointers for choosing a special dress. The locale and time of day usually indicate the formality of dress. A morning or early afternoon wedding dictate slightly more casual attire. A tea length dress that makes you think “garden party” would be a great choice. Look to florals, pastels, mid-toned hues and brights. Stay away from black (more on this later,) and deep jewel tones. Seek out more sophisticated styles and colors for late afternoon, evening, and very formal affairs. Not sure what color is best for you? You’ll always look fantastic in your eye color. Brown and hazel eyed women typically look fabulous in violet tones. Of course your hair and skin coloring will also determine your best shades. You’ll usually notice immediately when you try a dress on whether or not the color flatters you. Etiquette states it is inappropriate to wear white to a wedding; it’s reserved for the bride. Also, it’s best not wear black, as it is sometimes offensive to the bride or groom. Black is a dark color meant for funerals and business occasions. Have fun (Read more...)

If you're looking for a quick update for you winter professional or casual wardrobe, think tights! They're far more modern than pantyhose. They're also warmer and much, much more comfortable. (If you don't find them comfortable, try going up a size and they'll stay up better.) I also find psychological comfort in the fact that I can easily tug them on, and I don't have to worry about them running. Although tights are nothing new to fall fashion, here are a few ideas to change your look with tights.

• Add black tights and dressy boots to your basic business suit.
• Try cranberry or another dark neutral to mix things up a bit.
• Wear patterned or lacy tights if you work in a creative field. Pair them with solid skirts or mix them with another pattern for a completely unique look.

I encourage you to dust off your skirts and dresses, buy some tights, and get more mileage out of your winter wardrobe.

I'm always astounded how quickly time flies between my spring and fall trend reports, but here we are again! As with the last few seasons, we're continuing to see many classic garments. However, this fall designers have gotten extra creative with colors, textures and best of all, the way they've combined classics with trendier pieces. Since I specialize in professional dress, I always hesitate to use the word "trend." Adopting trends doesn't necessarily deem you trendy. Rather, think of it as new ways of updating your look to keep things fresh! The following is just a sampling of what awaits you in the stores. 

Colors

Purple-from amethyst to deep plum. Red-mostly a tomato red, great for blondes and brunettes with warm coloring. More colors include russet, (brown with a tinge of red,) burnt orange and of course, black.

Lace

From heavy lace garments to lace trims. If a lace blouse seems like too much for you, consider wearing it under a jacket or sweater with only the collar and cuffs peeking out.

Belts

Although all widths of belts remain popular, the newest widths are approximately 2 inches and very skinny. Look for (Read more...)

(Read more...)

(Read more...)