“Don’t talk with your mouth full. Hold the door for people entering behind you. Don’t interrupt when people are speaking. Say please and thank you – they are golden words and show signs of good upbringing. Use an indoor voice when speaking in a conversation. Respect the space of those around you.”

That’s what I heard growing up. Parents who role modelled good manners and yes, they expected us to exhibit them. There were consequences when we ‘forgot.’ I’m by no means perfect (who is) and have been known to speak up when perhaps I should have bitten my tongue (but always with good intention – usually witnessing something that wasn’t right or getting over impassioned). These two situations that occurred while I was on holidays stood out. Unfortunately. Hopefully not a sign of the times but (sadly), I think they are.

The First.

Minutes after our flight departed, 3 disgruntled “thirsty’ passengers started complaining loudly about the lack of bar service. When ignored by staff, they stormed first class only to be asked (then told, finally escorted) to return to their seats. This act was repeated too many times to count.

Eventually a very timid flight attendant caved–and brought them 9 drinks. They were slammed in minutes and demands for more revved up again. As time went on, their noisy complaints escalated into bullying any and all who made their way to the washroom, which unfortunately was directly in front of where they were seated.

As this was a night flight, sleep would have been a reasonable expectation. Not a wink, for anyone. Nervous parents huddled their children, tried to avoid contact and did not say a word as these 3 ruled the air.

In the end, 2 were arrested upon landing at Gatwick but here’s my point.

Everyone was affected by their rude, disrespectful behaviour. An elderly gentleman beside me was terrified, visibly shaken & eventually was treated in private. Their sense of entitlement was as shocking to me as it was appalling. And although a couple of people politely asked them to tone down, watch their language, most just observed and endured. On one level I understand – uncertain of where any confrontation would lead. On another,  I do not – why did everyone sit there fuming?  Collective action would have thwarted their behaviour. Is looking the other way, not getting involved and tolerating unacceptable behaviour a new standard that we now accept as the norm?

The Second

My daughter and I traveled by train to Paris. Our hope & need to rest during our 2 hr return trip was not meant to be.

12 middle school aged boys were clearly on a school excursion – a cultural outing – we learned as time went on. Private school students, not that it matters.

Their card game was fine, conversation low key…initially. Soon the aisles were overrun with backpacks, laptop cases, bodies stretched across seats, loud voices, competitive burping, and harmless arguing. Finally a teacher appears–who joined in the fun despite the looks, comments from others and passers by who patiently waited as the students leisurely moved temporarily out of the way for them to pass.

My daughter studied me, wondering when I would intervene.

I didn’t. Not until the Head Mistress appeared asking the boys to bring it down a notch, did I respond when my look engaged her stare and she asked “What is it?”

I laughed I think and replied “It’s a little late now, we’ve arrived.” She looked at me and said without hesitation, “ Well,there are other seats!”

I was dumbfounded. In my mind, the field trip was a perfect teaching moment, a time to demonstrate how to behave in public, how to show respect for those around you. Wouldn’t a parent expect the adults in charge to role model appropriate behaviour and take advantage of those wonderful “teaching” opportunities that present themselves in the real world?

It’s easier not to engage, to ignore. Short term. But demonstrating and accepting responsibility and being aware of the consequences for one’s actions is important, an invaluable life lesson. In this case, I too was an enabler of bad behaviour. I’m not even sure why except I truly think I kept expecting one of their own to step in. I was wrong as was my inaction. The students learned that they could do as they pleased.  Unhappy onlookers would just, well, look on.

Having been a teacher for years, who loved taking students by train to Toronto, I always established the ground rules, expectations and consequences before the trip. Did that mean we didn’t have fun? Did that mean no one could utter a word? Absolutely not. I looked forward to those trips as much as the students and even organized the “snacks” we would bring to share.

Actually, I still have many of the letters & notes my students wrote thanking me for those trips, for helping them be recognized for their good manners & behaviour.

So you see, making the effort is not just necessary, appreciated and rewarding, it’s desired.

As my esteemed colleague and friend Deborah King (www.finaltouchschool.com) writes:

“If civility is not taught and modelled in the home there is little chance for a civil society.  Civility requires character, confidence and class”

These situations didn’t ruin my holiday at all. I took notes, observed, reflected and knew I would put finger to key to write this. These situations renewed my own resolve to role model positive behaviour and not just expect, but insist upon, civil behaviour.

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

………..about your image when you pay little or no attention to how you present yourself to the world. So what you may say. I can tell you from experience both personally and through my image and wardrobe consultancy, it matters. Why? Because when you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, people respond, they sense your positive energy.  The moment you start to make an effort with your appearance, others will notice.  They may even compliment you. That feels good too. They may not always comment but I promise you, they’ll notice.

This post was prompted by something I witnessed during a recent trip to southern Florida where I was attending our annual international image conference. This particular incident happened on a break where I took in the surroundings – ok, I’ll be honest – a beautiful mall that housed stores unavailable to me living in Canada.

I was approaching the entrance to Neiman Marcus – a favourite and somewhat upscale shop – my sole destination on this hurried outing.

When there she was, in front of me, headed the same direction. I slowed down, hoping I was wrong.  Nope, she strode on.

Was it sweltering? Yes. Was she just out for some browsing and shopping? Yes. But that’s the point. You are your brand. What you wear and how you present yourself tells the world how you feel about you. If you don’t feel you’re worth the time and energy who else will? Can you expect them to? Can you expect to command respect?

To be taken seriously you need to be serious about your image and demonstrate self respect. I can’t imagine what she was thinking going anywhere like that let alone a nice department store.

Here are a couple of options that are easy alternatives and  wouldn’t require much time fussing. These type of warm weather casual looks send a message of pride and confidence. Dressing with assuredness is not about size, age, or money. It’s about knowing what looks good on you and making an effort.

 

 

So throw on your fav bracelets or fabulous necklace, grab your satchel and off you go! Looking good, put together and saying you love yourself.

Heads will now turn for the right reason.  And please remember, your best investment will always be you.

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

This blog is the direct result of a recent shoe shopping outing I had with client and numerous calls / emails I’ve received from wondering minds.

As an image and wardrobe consultant, who works with women of all ages desiring to dress for who they are now, I can tell you shoes are an issue.  From the closets I shake up to the wardrobes I reinvent, shoes are a major stumbling block.  That is, the right shoe can transform a pant that was in the “to go” pile just as the wrong shoe can sabotage an amazing designer ensemble. It’s true, a fact.

I get that everyone wants to be comfortable.  No one more than I. Foot issues abound — I know all about them. My hubby wears orthodics, my challenge, like countless other women of all ages – bunions.  In my world this is a particular draw back since I need to walk the talk so to speak. Being current and expressing my own individuality is important – and at times, quite tricky since in the end it’s not what shoe will I wear it’s what shoe am I able to wear. What’s an image consultant to do? The exact same thing as you. My homework. Research. Nine West, Franco Sarto, Ferragamo, Stuart Weitzman and Cole Haan offer some delicious choices at all price points. And, they deliver on all style fronts including comfort.

No matter how you cut it, wearing heavy soled, black clunky shoes will always have you falling short of reaching a pulled together look.

So once you’ve decided footwear shopping is in order, where do you start? Here are a few things to consider:

• Is there a dress code in place where you work? If so, what are the expectations for summer footwear.
• Determining your lifestyle & needs are key – look at what you have – all the same genre ( casual, athletic, dressy) or do you expect one or two pair to fill the criteria from wedding to soccer field.
• Are you a stay at home mom running children here and there? Probably not going to need the latest and most artistic sky high stilettos.
• Is your workplace more casual in nature? Do you want to adhere? Do you like to “feel” that you are dressed for work? Then sticking to more traditional, classic styles will help. Is this important? That’s up to you.
• Is your workplace traditional in nature? The expectation in this case follows a conservative dress code regardless of the season or temperatures.

 

For example a great place to start, especially if you are building a shoe wardrobe, is with a classic pump. Black is the safest color as you can wear them all year round and the look always says ”polished.” (assuming they are)

If you have some freedom of choice but like the more pulled together look of a heel these options are fun, professional and flattering.

In a more casual environment but image is important to you or there is no way you can or want to wear heels all day long? Ballet flats offer great style, comfort and personality.  Sandals with added coverage say serious, confident and add a polished vibe to your wardrobe. The darker the sandal, the more likely you’ll be able to transition it into a fall look by adding leggings or tights.

If you are one of the lucky ones who can wear what you want whenever and as often as you like, then the sky’s the limit, literally. From sexy jewelled sandals to towering high platform options, you can strut your style.

 

In the end what did my client choose? The shoe that had her beaming from ear to ear and massaging it as if it were exotic luxurious hand cream ( ok, we both did that) or the one that would do the job – send the message she needs in her career at this time? Of course, the latter… for now. She’s smart and understood she was making a business decision (Let’s face it, she had me keeping her focused). This pump will serve her well both professionally and personally. The flats are fun and appropriate for her dress down days – still looking like a boss who knows image matters.

But, all is not lost.  Mother’s Day has just passed.  She’d been dropping not so subtle hints at home for the last while.  To find out if her shoes, the ones that made her weak at the knees, have moved from on hold, to on her,  please check in again.

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

“I believe that confidence opens the doors to life.” It’s true, I do.

And so it started, an evening that proved to be one of most enjoyed, “snappy”, “classy”, “inspiring” evenings I have hosted as described by 1039 FM, sponsors and attendees. What a fantastic feeling!

Ten months of planning, brainstorming, asking for & collecting donations from businesses and service providers that resulted in an incredible array of goods for our Silent Auction. With sponsorship from 4 of my favourite retail haunts Salon Entrenous, Channer’s, La Jolie Jupe & Style 360, the Sue in the City – Now & Then event is able to donate $7500 to My Sisters’ Place – a community resource that helps women of our community who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The evening was so much fun! I talked about how to freshen up your wardrobe basics to say Spring 2011,  featured 3 of my must have’s, offered some tips on shopping second hand, and revealed 6 client make overs!  Almost as much of a hit were the six London’s Firefighters who joined in to help – you can only imagine – but you’ll have to tune in next time for those deets.

Here’s a peek at two fav’s I talked about.

Denim - always a must have. These 3 shots show my version of reinventing Mary’s boyfriend jeans to say fresh, confident and stylish. These looks work for Mary, her style, her way.

Another great wardrobe must have for me, not just this season but always -– the DRESS. Here’s Jen in a couple that we found at Style 360 – a great second hand shop. One Laundry, the other BCBG – significant savings and styled to look modern, fresh and authentic – just like Jen. A touch of animal print always adds an interesting, sophisticated vibe.

Then this adorable Maxi dress - hot off the Spring 2011 rack – perfect for her – cheerful, youthful and exciting!

More to come soon. Thank you for reading. Feel free to pass along to any and all interested parties.

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

For a while now, I’ve wanted to write a blurb on T shirts, an amazing wardrobe basic.  A recent T shirt shopping appointment was just the motivation I needed. For me, long sleeved tees, especially at this time of year, are one of the bones of a working wardrobe.

Why? Because

• they stand alone when accessorized with a statement necklace

• they have an attitude when topped with a little jacket

• adorned with an interesting scarf, you’re ready to go and look finished

Thin T’s, or layering pieces as I refer to them really are amazing in their versatility. Under a classic jacket, they’re the perfect blouse alternative. They can also add a unique dimension when topped by a plain chemise dress, transforming it immediately into a unique, more approachable look and adding value to the purchase of your dress.

Thin, good quality ones even lend themselves to more dressy occasions and conservative traditional work place environments. They are also a dream come true for women of “heat” shall I say. Check out www.vince.com and www.lillap.com for excellent T shirt options.

Now, not all T’s are created equal…. Let me explain. The client who I helped through her T shirt crisis this week discovered Glima.  Her words, ‘There are just too many that I love!” Agreed. Excellent quality cotton that are 100% American made offers something for everyone. For me, these T’s are expressions of art, personalities, places, times & eras…… in their own words and taken directly from their website ( www.glima.com ) …. “our design and creative team is engaged in creating T shirts with soul, T shirts that inspire and communicate with nature.”  And they deliver.

We snapped a couple of shots while shopping. Despite her bad hair day, my client  reluctantly agreed to being photographed. Her Gleam - A delight is hard to miss. I even took a picture of her purchases – we lost count after showing her numerous ways to wear, then transition these shirts into creating unique spring outfits. Something else that may grab your attention, the wonderful 3/4 sleeve, flattering arms of all shapes and sizes!

Here you can see a few of my pals wearing ours! You don’t have to accessorize yours …but why not?

As always I love sharing my favorite things.  In London, Glima’s can be found at La Jolie Jupe www.richmondrowlondon.com and her spring collection has just landed! Cindy will be only too happy to show you her amazing assortment. Be prepared – this can take a while!

So if you’re thinking wardrobe building and this basic is missing from yours, you can save yourself time and money by adding a few well chosen T shirts to the mix. Layered or alone, they’re an all season must have. Plain tees or Glima, wearing them will make you smile.

And that’s always a winning look.

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

 

This is a re-write of an article I wrote for Real Women Canada a couple of years ago.  I decided to update and share since it is a constant topic in my consultancy – and one worth discussing.

“It’s not what’s on the outside that matters, it’s what’s inside that counts” might have a whole new meaning after this. Undergarments, the Hidden Truth.

As a wardrobe consultant who has been in many a closet and drawer, I am amazed by the state of most women’s lingerie, in this case I think the term underwear seems more accurate. The looks and expressions I witness when asking clients to consider a professional bra fitting, thongs or seamless full cut briefs are hilarious.  When it comes to bra size, most of you aren’t sure and some have no idea! This, hopefully, is about to change.

Over 70% of women are wearing the wrong size bra (www.thebreastsite.com) so you’re not alone.

Why does it matter?

• For good breast health, breast support is needed
• Your breasts want to be where they originated
• Tops fit better, darts are properly aligned therefore your clothes look better
• Wearing the right bra creates an illusion of 10 – 15 lbs lighter – by elongating & showcasing your torso – your slimmest part.
  

You need a new bra or a bra fitting when

• your bra rides up across your back
• your have lagging bra straps
• your breasts spill out under your arms (I wish)
• your cup wrinkles
• your bra leaves marks on your shoulders

Wearing an ill-fitting bra, no matter what the cost of your outfit, will sabotage your effort in achieving a winning look.  Visible panty & thong lines are a no- no as well.  How many of you have watched, mouth agape, as a woman walks by and her rear view makes you cringe?  Not surprising since more than half of my female clients report not having a full length mirror!   How can you see what others see without checking yourself out, all views, first?  Purchasing a full length mirror should be a top priority on your 2011 To Do List.  When it comes to camisoles, simply put, lace is lingerie which translated means later.  And in my opinion, Spanx is the Cadillac of shape-wear.

What do you need? Where should you go? Who can you trust?

Research on line – check out sites like www.hankypanky.com and www.chantelle.fr to see what you like.  Then, your first stop should be at a shop that specializes in bra fittings.  My all time favourite is Linea intima.  Visit their website at www.lineaintima.com & stop in to see Charlene or Niki at their London location.

The possibilities are endless.  Explore for yourself.  I confess, for me, bra shopping was an unpleasant experience – until I discovered Linea – I learned, I laughed and I was beyond excited to find something I liked, that flattered & I even had choices!

Out of sight but definitely not out of mind.  This is what I picture for you!

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

Wardrobe basics are a must. But now you’re ready to have some fun.  Accessories are amazing! They’ll reinvent your staples, make you a fashionista every time, celebrate the uniqueness of ‘you’ – but, there are a couple of rules since you are still wardrobe building.

Just like with your capsule, the first step  is acquiring accessory ‘basics.’  Sticking to these simple guidelines will have most of your needs covered and is quite budget friendly!

Jewellery:

• Finishes – neutral metals – matte & shiny – silver, gold, brass, copper.
• Earrings – Studs or minimal movement choices – (traditional business environment) OR  basic oval drop shapes
• Stretchy cuff style bracelets – fun, stay where you want & easy to wear while working
• Bangles – neutral metals – lots of these – not matched
• 1 or 2 long pendant necklaces – wear with long lean looks / tunics
• Layered necklaces – buy as one or wear many together for a current, modern look
• Pearls – over sized – wear with your traditional pair to mix it up

Tip: swingy, distracting jewellery is usually inappropriate for work and can be hazardous.

Once you start accumulating a few pieces, making an effort to add one to your collection every week or pay period makes it easy to:

• keep current
• build variety
• achieve a wardrobe that consists of 70% accessories

So flip through magazines, designer sites to see what’s happening. Then you can make informed shopping decisions and shop with intention.

Scarves:

What can I say – scarves  are fabulous and are no longer used to protect the collar of your coat — they’re a critical part of your outfit. Use scarves to:

• add the color you may avoid elsewhere in your wardrobe
• pull colors together anchoring your look
• fill in a low scoop or V neckline – much more flattering than a turtleneck
• be your necklace – focusing the attention on your face
• add interest, vibrancy & your personal signature.

Whether long, square, fringed, silk or gauze, scarves are a ‘must have’ accessory. Inherit one from an aunt or friend & it just doesn’t work with your wardrobe? Tie it on a plain bag to add a bit of whimsy. There are many great ways to tie your scarf – investigate videos like Scarf Tying 101 & have some fun.

BELTS:

Many ladies report not knowing they can wear a belt. Misconception – belts are only for the slight in build – this is just not true.  Belts can camouflage figure flaws. Think balance and proportion: Full figured – a wider, sturdier belt works best regardless of your height; Slim and petite – a smaller, less heavy looking belt will generally be more flattering.  Always think balance. You want to achieve subtle interest not distraction.

Whether good quality leather or fabulous neutral metal adding a belt to your outfit can

• create an easy chic look
• break up a long rectangular shape
• add height if worn under the bust line with empire waist styled tunics & dresses.
• integrate styles – if you’re creative or dramatic

Check out magazines and see for yourself. More and Elle are great places to start. Look at outfits you like, that will work for your body shape, experiment with something from your closet. You’ll know, go with your gut – if you’re just not feeling it, try a different approach.

Handbags:

I admit, I am not a purse junky.  I’m of the  less is more camp when it comes to bags and making a hit with one gorgeous purse rather than a few mediocre ones. Purchasing the best quality bag you can afford will always serve you well. Start with

• black or a dark chestnut brown.  Just like a good wine or your favourite cheddar, good leather gets better with age.
• structured style for conservative dress codes, slouchy works for casual environments.

Once you have the basics, then splurge on a classic handbag in your favourite color. For me, a deep navy blue one had me smitten this season.

I love it and for me, carrying it is exciting. For you it may be olive green or a deep, rich aubergine color – if you adore the color & the style is classic with minimal trendy details, you’ll use it often – and be able to confidently and stylishly carry it for years.

SHOES:

Definitely a part of the accessor – ease topic but this will be a blog of it’s own.  Just like Christmas surprises, all great things are worth waiting for.

As 2010 draws to a close, think about you, last year at this time.  Celebrate your accomplishments since then, new friendships, your good fortune – you have some, look for it in small places. We are all blessed. And remember, your first and most important  investment is you.

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

Now that you have had time for reflection,  some editing and seeing what might work with tailoring or a fresh new approach through the use of accessories, a wardrobe capsule makes sense.

For this you will need wardrobe basics – 9 specific pieces that will translate into 20 outfits. When you look at these basics from a distance they might appear a little bland – if so, perfect. You passed with flying colors.

Basics are the foundation upon which you build your wardrobe. They should be the best quality you can afford.  For staying power, neutral in terms of color works best so they will last the test of time, work with trendy seasonal colors and allow for easy accessorising.  By neutrals I mean greys, browns, navy and black.  These pieces should be current as opposed to trendy. Classic in cut & style, so they can be part of your wardrobe for seasons to come, make these pieces good investments.  For instance, flat front, side or front zip dress pants in a neutral color will still look current in two years whereas a pair of eggplant pants with black top stitching & a built in attached black belt will surely look “old” in two years time. ( probably sooner)

What pieces do you need?  Check out my version, adapted from Catherine Bell,  for quick & easy reference:

• one solid color suit  -  matching fabric – pants or skirt
• an additional suit - I always choose one with slightpattern ie) striping, textured design – must work with   the first suit
• one more bottom – skirt or pant –  that can be worn with either jacket
• crisp white blouse - plain – no ruffles, flared sleeve etc (darts – allows for wearing tucked in or out)
• 2 more tops – blouses / shirts plain or subtle patterns that will coordinate with the above pieces
• 1 sweater -  mock/crew/scoop neck that work with jackets OR coordinating cardigan /V neck

9 = 20 outfits

Now you’re getting somewhere.  Next time, Chapter5, ACCESSORIES.  So much fun and should comprise 70% of your wardrobe! But more on that later.

Dress for success. Dress for your intended market. And dress for you. Remember, the best dressed among us matters not. The truly authentic, best mannered, best dressed person deserves our respect.  That person can be you.

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

This mother of two was only too happy to stop for a snap as I spotted her strolling down Bloor Street, smiling to herself.  As it turned out, she had very good reason to smile – the ultrasound she’d just had said baby # 3 was doing just fine!   This mom clearly has her style nailed and understands that looking good is part of feeling good!

I have just finished a timely presentation for a non profit organization where being green is key – a perfect alignment for my business since my philosophy is the same – less is more, less amounts to a less stressful environment on all fronts – but we are talking fashion, wardrobes, closets here.
When I was putting together my words, thinking of a more interesting way to deliver the information so the audience could follow along- really see how it all began – the ‘ too much stuff and shopping for the sake of it’ piece, I thought about chapters of a book- this is sort of what I said.

Forward:

Over consumption is wrong on so many levels.  In this case, having too many clothes in your closet can become  a nightmare and typically paralyzes you into wearing the same thing over and over again (17% of your wardrobe is what most actually wear).

Prologue:

When it comes to wardrobe building and shopping – based on what I have learned in my consultancy, two scenarios exist:
The “don’t shop anymore, don’t need to, can’t make me” subscribers or the shop every day, buying, buying and buying – trying to make it work gang – adding bits and pieces to an already dysfunctional wardrobe of mis – matched pieces.
In both cases, the end result is not pleasant – it costs you many hours of frustration not to mention money spent on never to be worn items & duplications.

I believe and know that every one of you want to feel good about yourself and enjoy receiving compliments – it’s human nature.  So I’m starting at the beginning.

Chapter 1

Know who you are and what you want to world to know about you.

How you dress tells a story about you.
How you dress tells the world how you feel about yourself.

Do you want the world to know you are fun, warm, engaging and approachable?  A wardrobe consisting of various shades of black won’t convey this message.
Or is it that you want us to know you are strong, brilliant, successful and important?  A closet full of bright pinks, florescent green and frilly, ruffled prints won’t make you look strong and successful.

You can achieve these goals through color, texture and styles.  So, give it some thought.

Chapter 2

Body shape? If you are like most of the ladies I have worked with in the last month, you are most likely unaware of your body shape. Don’t  guess. Get a tape measure, take your measurements and find out.  You will either be a pear shape (70% of women are), an inverted triangle, a rectangle or an apple.   So why is this important?  Until you know your body shape, you shouldn’t proceed to Chapter 3 .
Dressing in styles that flatter your shape will create a more balanced figure, make you look more attractive and will have you looking like you possess that perfect hourglass figure.

Once you know your shape, then Google it to see what styles work and don’t work for you – then bookmark the page.

Chapter 3

NOW you are ready to take a serious look at your wardrobe – you know what message you want to send, you know what styles work for the body you have now, not 10 years ago, so you can edit with intention and knowledge.

Your goal: keep clothes that reflect the best you, showcase who you are and celebrate your beauty.  These pieces must:

Fit you properly, be free of stains, be true color, not faded or pilled, NOT make you look like your mother in law, your wonderful gramma or your young teenage daughter / neighbour. They must also be in good state of repair.

Restyling clothing with the help of a good tailor is a wonderful way to repurpose your favourites – change the buttons, add or take away a pant cuff, cut off a fav pair of jeans and create a fabulous city short. Be creative, add your own personal style.

What’s left are your favourites pieces, clothes that fit and reflect the best you and that you love to wear. Now you can see where the gaps are in your wardrobe – what you need and what you don’t need – this is the time to get out your pencil and paper.

Chapter 4

I will post this chapter in a week’s time – it’s called The Wardrobe Capsule.  You know the 9 = 20 concept.  It’s magic!  It’s also the best way I know to build a winning, versatile wardrobe that works every time in a variety of ways.

So, my intention is not  to leave you hanging – the Conclusion will come with Chapter 4 & some fabulous looks for you to re-create for yourself in your won way.

I hope you’ll be ready for the next step as blog #4 is posted – Take the time and have a good think about you, what you want to showcase and how you want to be seen – I’ll be anxious to find out.

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.

        She was cruising down Richmond St as I stopped her to ask if I might snap her picture.  “I dress up every day ” she told me. ” At 85, I know one thing for sure, I feel great when I leave the house because I’m proud of who I am and how I look!”  Agreed.

KNOW THE SHAPE YOU’RE IN

I am motivated to write, right now after a wonderful workshop for ladies visiting from across Canada – why? Knowing (or not knowing) your body shape is the FIRST must do in order to create a winning look for yourself. To say I was surprised that a fair number of the group had no idea what shape they were, is an understatement.

It happened for a reason and reminds me that this topic can’t be taken for granted.……. thus the need to share.

The goal of wearing the correct style is always (or should be) to achieve a balanced, symmetrical shape.  Dressing in clothing that suits your body can show off the figure you have, create the figure you want, dream of or used to have.  Wearing the right style can shave pounds away without your giving up one bite of yummy food, can draw attention to your beautiful face, skin, hair. Wearing the right style can create the illusion of a balanced figure, regardless of where you carry your weight. On the other hand, wearing the wrong style can make you look years older and pounds heavier, and that is just not an option.   Unfortunately, the wrong style can also exaggerate a beauty flaw!  I know there is a ton of information out there on this topic.  My summary is for you to easily understand and quickly apply should you decide.

So here it is, the three most common shapes – keep in mind that this is a general  guideline and that exceptions do occur:

Pear or triangle- most common shape – Smaller width on top than bottom, carry weight in thigh / hip area – Think – Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Jennifer Love Hewitt.



So your goal, if this is you, is to create more width & volume to shoulders and chest area.

How? Try this:

Cowl and deep V necklines, ruffled tops that will draw the eye up and away work well.  IF you are busty, go easy on the rufflling, softer fabric that drapes will do the trick. Wear flattering patterns on the top and if you’re going to wear lighter shades, the top is where to sport them. Straight leg and boot cuts are flattering – pant length – grazing the floor works best and creates a longer, slimmer line. Wearing a bottom that is much lighter in color than your top will cut you off and add weight at the hip area – if you must and enjoy wearing light colored bottoms, wear the same shade or a tone that is similar on top – this will help create a clean line all the way down -  always slimming.

Inverted Triangle- most desired shape after hourglass – shoulders and bust wider than hips – Think – Renee Zelweger, Demi Moore, Charlize Theron

So your goal, if this is you, is to create more width & volume to the hip area.

How? Try this:

Wearing deep V necks and tops that have ¾ sleeves – this draws the eye down and away from broad shoulders.  Opt for jackets, layers that flare at the waist, adding a little width at top of hip. Flared and detailed hemlines, wide type gaucho style pants, cargo pants with pockets / toggles details along the lower leg and hemline work well to create more volume. A line skirts and wide leg trousers with or without a cuff are great for this body type. * (unless you are petite – under 5’4” then avoid cuffs) Even if you love them, avoid wearing halter, boat neck and spaghetti strap tops.  Strong shoulder designs and stiff fabric will only enhance broad shoulders so choosing softer, flowy fabrics that drape is a better option.

Rectangle– boyish, swimmers build – Bust and hips approximately same width – narrow hips Think – Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman, Cameron Diaz

So your goal, if this is you, is to create more definition, add shape, waistline

How? Try this:

Wearing a slim shoulder pad ( relax, not the 80′s style) will help create shape as will cinching in your waistline with belts or wearing jackets that have a built in waist. Similarly, jackets that flare out from the waist will be flattering.  Flowy, wrap dresses will add curves and dimension to the lower body as well. Breaking up color from top to bottom and adding an interesting contrast shoe will break the long line of your natural silhouette.  How lucky for you – wearing wide legged pants works well when you tuck in your shirt or top. For the most flattery, opt for a flared cut pant.

I hope this was of some use to you – if so encourage your friends to read. Leave a comment, let me know if you wish to know more or have a specific question. I learn from your comments and questions. My goal is to help you make educated decisions and have you loving who you are right now, today.

Until next time, enjoy being personally styled.