As an image and wardrobe consultant, when I do Closet Audits with my clients, without exception, they want me to tell them if something is outdated. It makes me feel horrible, but sometimes I see things that still have the tags on them, and they’re out of style. Often, my client had just been shopping the prior weekend. How can this be, you ask? It’s the fashion lifecycle. Read on to learn more, and find out how to make sure you never end up with brand new out-moded clothes in your closet. Trends are usually introduced at the New York and international runway shows. As you can see from the chart, new styles start on the left and evolve into a bell curve. Initially the clothes and accessories are quite expensive and are adopted by the Fashion Innovators. As time goes on, the style becomes more and more popular, peaking when it is very widely available to the masses at all price points. (How long each of these stages lasts varies greatly.) As a style starts to fade, it is accepted by the Late Adopters. And finally when the style is virtually gone, it’s adopted by the

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Yesterday I was shopping for a client at Nordstrom and complimented one of the sales associates, Katie, on her outfit. It was a printed cotton, sleeveless shift dress with white "jewels" at the neckline. What made it pop was that she had topped it with a fitted, denim jacket. Katie went on to tell me that they play a game called "wear it three ways." She also told me she loves jean jackets and can play "wear it 90 ways" with the jacket. This got me thinking.  Because women are so busy, and it's human nature, it's easy to fall into the trap of only wearing outfits the way they were bought. I challenge you to play "wear it 3 ways" in your closet. One of the keys to the game is to try mixing casual with dressy like Katie did. Here is an idea from my closet to get you going. Last summer I bought this terry jacket (in white) with matching capris to wear in Europe over my swimsuit and for lounging around. I can break it up and wear the jacket over a long tank top and twill cropped pants. And the third way I can wear it is (Read more...)

Just within the last week, I've heard the comment, "I'm not a teenager anymore, but I don't want to dress like my grandmother, either--I can't find any clothes," several times. I can understand how women don't think there's anything out there for them between the ages of 23 and 97, but really you have the largest number of chic, wardrobe options. Here are a few tips to follow for finding stylish clothing that feels appropriate for your image.

• Extremes in styles tend to be the trendiest. You may feel more comfortable in classic styles in modern shapes.
• If you prefer to look a touch trendy, choose one trendy piece to be the star of the outfit, and then the rest of the garments should be more basic, supporting the star.
• Fit is more important than ever. No matter what your body type or size, it's important to show your shape. Covering everything up from head to toes in baggy clothing only makes you look larger than you are, and ultimately matronly. And that's not a flattering description even if you're 97!
• Go for quality, luxurious fabrics in modern or even trendy styles.

Where to shop? Almost anywhere, avoiding the Junior department and departments clearly for elderly (Read more...)

Shopping for jeans usually ranks right up there with shopping for bathing suits. As women, most of us hate it! Often times, if we find a pair of jeans we love, perhaps they fit but they don't really flatter. More often than that so many pairs just don't fit. There are so many to choose from it's overwhelming. Finding the perfect pair can take on the feel of a full time job.


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