Okay, it’s 2010. There’s just one thing I want to know. Why, with all of our technology, can’t the shoe industry make a really cute walking shoe? I’m getting ready for a trip to Chicago for shopping and sight-seeing later this week. Just last week I realized I haven’t made any improvements in my walking shoe wardrobe since I battled with it for Europe 2 years ago. To add insult to injury, not only do I need something for lots of walking, but I am also battling tendinitis in my ankle, so that cuts out certain styles as well. So I headed out to Dardanos on Colorado Blvd. Two of my clients have had great luck there-why not me, right? I was truly amazed at the number of  shoes they had, but equally amazed at how many ugly shoes they carry. I understand that for some, the comfort shoe, i.e. Birkenstocks, Danskos, etc, is a look-their style. I’m perfectly fine with that, but that isn’t everyone's style. Again, it seems as though we have the technology! I also don’t understand why these comfort brands make such unfashionable colors? I thought found a shoe that was great, but when the salesman brought (Read more...)

Whimsical, quirky, fun, one-of-a-kind, fashion forward, and flamboyant…all words to describe Carrie Bradshaw’s style. I mean who else would wear a teal feather sticking straight up out of her bridal veil?  Oh, and I should add that she’s all of the above tied up with a bow. Carrie always has a soft feminine quality to her style. (If you’re a Sex and the City fan, you’ll recognize Carrie and the gang's style. If not, click here and you'll be easily caught up.) Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, exudes personal style that is enviable but also a little over the top for most of us in the real world. Perhaps her head-to-toe looks won’t work for you, but don’t let that stop Carrie from inspiring you! For example, for a special occasion, you might pair the (pictured) vintage inspired, bustier dress with a heavy, studded, leather belt. It might be tempting to pair the dress with demure black pumps, but Carrie would yawn at that combo. Instead try black studded stilettos or at the least a chunkier, sky-high style. Either shoe style would fit the feel of the ensemble with the heavy black belt without being too matchy-matchy. Perhaps (Read more...)

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Last night we watched the movie “Living Out Loud,” starring Holly Hunter and Queen Latifah. While the movie was slow, the costumes were fantastic! I highly recommend it as a "fashion movie."

Holly Hunter’s character, Judith Moore, is recovering from a divorce, somewhat of a traditional “east coaster,” but interested in broadening her life. She’s lonely but goes out to a jazz club quite a bit. Her uniform is a little black dress that she wears with and without long pearls--very “Breakfast at Tiffany’s!” The movie is set in 1998, but her dress is so classic and elegant it could have been 1958, 2008 or 2018! The classic style,  and color fit perfectly with Judith’s personal style and personality.

Quite the opposite of Holly

(Read more...)

The Groundhog saw his shadow, so we're in for at least 6 more weeks of winter. Considering that in Colorado we can have 60 degree days in February and snowstorms in spring, that doesn't mean a lot to us. How can you dress for such crazy weather? Read below for both professional dress and casual solutions for layering. I'm a huge fan of layering, especially with jackets.  Given the shortage of long sleeved blouses and short sleeved shells in the stores, we're presented with a challenge when we want to take our jackets off. Luckily, fashion has taken a turn and given us a solution that works for everyone no matter what your personal style. We're seeing ¾ length and long sleeved, lightweight, button-up cardigans worn underneath jackets. When you get a little warm, instead of suffering, simply shed the jacket and you still have a layered look that's appropriate without losing your authority and credibility. The following are a few ideas to try: * A lightweight printed cardigan over a collared blouse worn under a suit jacket. It's a great way to add life to a basic suit. * A lightweight, round necked, cardigan buttoned to the neck over a camisole worn with (Read more...)

The other day I read a blog post where the blogger was talking about how she’s tired of the old New Year’s adage, “New Year, New You,” and the term “make-over.” She proposed, “New Year, Better You,” and “make-better.” I couldn’t agree with her more. Isn’t our goal to continually improve ourselves or freshen up an aspect of our appearance? As an image/wardrobe consultant, I never aim to completely change someone’s look, rather I help them enhance and make the absolute most of what they have. Then I read a great article in the January issue of Harper’s Bazaar, Reinvent Yourself by Teri Agins. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the article: “But most of us just want to polish and maximize who we already are, and what better time than the present? With all its visual impact, fashion is always a good place for a new start.” “When you are well dressed and fierce, it's life enhancing for you and all the people around you," declares Simon Doonan, creative director at Barneys New York. She goes on to suggest taking your personal style and pumping up the volume. For example, if you love dressing glamorously for evening, (Read more...)

Are you thrilled with your personal style? Is shopping easy because you know the styles and design elements you love and gravitate easily toward them? If not, January is a great time to begin to explore your new look. With the winter months looming, you’ve got at least a couple of months, pressure free, to work on this aspect of your life. One of my favorite ways to develop a style identity is to create either a style file or a style inspiration board. Find things that really resonate with you. They can be photos but also things like paint swatches, fabric samples, buttons, beads, small items from your home, etc. Look for photos of things, places and looks you love. This is the important part. Don’t settle for things you kind of like, think will look good on you or are simply pretty. Choose the things that stop you and almost take your breath away. It's not important to know why you like the photo or item right away. Another key to this exercise is to look at all aspects of a photo/item. For example, perhaps you’re extremely drawn to our photo of this Dries Van Noten outfit. But you know you’d (Read more...)

Thursday, October 15th 8:15 – 9:45 am Do you avoid shopping, finding it painful?  Do you come home from your shopping trips overwhelmed and exhausted? Join me for this BBH (Business Before Hours) to learn how to turn what you might consider a dreadful task into a tolerable, possibly even enjoyable one.  If you already enjoy shopping, you’ll find these tips can help save money, be more efficient, and you’ll come home from your shopping trips happier then ever. In this session you will: * Learn how to shop for good values, not just bargains, * Discover the secrets for successful shopping trips, * Find out how to plan a wardrobe that works for your personal style, lifestyle, and budget, * Understand how to create the wardrobe of your dreams… and look like a million bucks! 355 South Teller Street, Suite 200 Lakewood, CO 80226 (Two traffic lights east of Wadsworth, off Alameda) Free parking behind the building SPACE IS LIMITED! RSVP by Tuesday, October 13th 303-235-0989 Info@CorporateOfficeImages.com