update on fall 09

Just got back from phase 1 of Fall Fashion 2009. The fashion show was amazing, and I am exhausted. I can't wait to post all the details once I get a good night's sleep!

FIghting the Frump

Fighting the frump? Want to maintain your relevance? Wondering how to bring a little wow into your t-shirt, jeans and flip flops? Check out the latest segment from WSBT - click HERE

I've received a lot of questions about this segment - below are some more tips:

Mistakes ladies make at work to look dated or frumpy are:

• Being too matchy-matchy
• Thinking the good suit they purchased to get the job 10 years ago is still relevant today
• Playing down accessories

One way to look dated at work is to not change your style of work-dress. Ladies can get in a rut with the typical black suit, white shirt. The last thing you want to be seen as at work is ‘out of touch’, “irrelevant’ or ‘outdated’.

Mix it up a little. Mix fabrics – here we’ve taken a basic suiting pant, and mixed it with a black linen jacket. We replaced the typical white shirt with a pop of summer blue, and added layered necklaces and a pin.

Basic mistakes ladies make when they are in a t-shirt, jean, flip flop phase of life are:

• Over sized t-shirts (maybe husband’s?)
• Jeans that don’t fit (too big or too small – from another ‘decade’)
• Shoes / accessories, or the lack thereof!

Comfortable doesn’t have to mean a lack of creativity or style. Many ladies I talk to are Mom’s…and when I ask what they typically wear, its jeans and a t-shirt. Although that is a simple way to dress, it is a very easy frump-trap to get into.

Stay away from your husband’s t-shirts, and look for t-shirts that have some kind of detail on it that makes it more feminine (cut, color, detail like a bow). Once you have found a great tee is a size that fits you, and try a color other than ‘white’.

With jeans, a dark wash is always more dressy, and more flattering. TO really take the fashion quotient up a notch, look for a trouser cut jean.

Flip flips do not have to be the $5 ones - look for something that is more sophisticated.

Mistakes with date night include:

• Revert to jeans and a tee or work wardrobe
• Don’t look like you’re trying too hard
• Wear something that is way outside your comfort zone, and it shows!

Most women feel so out of their comfort zone, they go back to jeans and a tee, or they pull out a work outfit. Yes, you can use those pieces for date night, but remember that the men in our lives like to see us looking like…WOMEN!

Another mistake I see is women in their late 40’s thinking they can’t wear the cute flippy skirts that are so ‘in’ this season.

Grab one of those great little skirts, and dress it up with a ruffle tee and a cardigan. You are making the outfit more sophisticated with the cardigan, great shoe by Stewart Weitzman and handbag (as seen in the video).

Questions - jeans, bathing suits and more

Got questions? I answered them on the WSBT morning show this month. Everything from what to look for in a flattering blue jean to what is a good bathing suit and what to wear when you are losing weight.

To see the complete segment, go HERE (and forward to about 2:30)

What to wear to a wedding

Started getting a lot of questions about how to stay cool at summer weddings, so I pulled those questions together and answered them on a recent segment on WSBT.

To see the complete segment, click HERE

FACING YOUR FEARS - bathing suit season

When I first set out to write this article on bathing suits, a strange thing happened. I began to panic. I started remembering all of the horrible bathing suits I’ve have over the years, and then realized that I needed to get a new swim suit this year. I turned to my friends for support and encouragement. What I thought I would hear from them was things like “oh, I saw some great suits at XYZ store” or “the bathing suit you had last year is great, why do you need another one”; but instead I heard horror stories. And the stories were frightening.

Tales included stories like not knowing a suit was transparent in water until it was too late, losing part of a bikini when waterskiing, having the protective undergarment part of the bottom half of the suit come unhinged and hang out the backside of the suit resembling a tail. Then - the worst of the worst stores. The photographs. Have you ever seen a photograph of yourself in a horrible bathing suit? I need a moment of silence…

One of my oldest and dearest BFFs simply said, “Bathing suite horror stories? Buying one, wearing one, thinking about one.” Well said.

So why do we do it? Why do we put ourselves through the humiliating torture known as bathing suit season?

We humble ourselves and stuff our less than perfect thighs into a swimsuit because it’s summer. We do it because the things that require a bathing suit are fun. Some of us do it simply to play nice with others.

I am on a quest. I’ve challenged myself to make the “bathing suit” an overall pleasant experience; I want the mere mention of the “bathing suit” to not drum up any horrible memories or strike panic into the hearts and minds of the women of Michiana. So I have researched and collected some tips for you.

FIGURE CHALLENGES

Universally Flattering – Like the a-line skirt or a princess cut jacket, a one piece with a deep front and back ‘v’ is a style that is flattering on everyone. Keep in mind your figure challenges, and distract attention from those areas with embellishment and rouching. The suit to the left is a Miracle suit, found at Macy's and at http://www.cyberswim.com/

Look Thinner – One word, ROUCHING. Slight gathers along the side of a swimsuit that creates a subtle drape is not only slimming, but camouflages an ample midsection. V-neck styles will bring attention away from trouble areas, and bring all the focus to your neckline and face.

Remember when shopping for a bathing suit, the same rules apply as does when you are shopping for street clothes. In other words, fit is key…extra fabric from an ill fitting bathing suit will make you appear bigger. Keep balance in mind. For example, if you are smaller on top, bring pattern and focus to the top, this will help to balance your figure.

With pattern, a dark background is going to be more slenderizing than a lighter one. The perfect shape for a string bikini? Someone with an “h” shape, who has no curves and a small bust line.

Plus Sized – the best choice is something that is a ‘baby doll’ style 2 piece. A suit that doesn’t cut the hip, but rather is more like a short tunic is best. Choose a solid over anything printed, and keep the attention at your face; in other words, v-neck styles are your best bet. The suit to the right is found at www.swimsuitsforall.com

Thick Middle – look for styles that have a contrast in color or a belted waist. Smart color blocking with the attention toward the top (neckline) will distract from your midsection. Stay away from printed styles – try something in a solid. Details like side rouching also help to disguise a thick midsection.

Belly – Many women want to disguise a little belly pouch, especially Mom’s with youngsters. Wrap styles or anything with some shirring or rouching is a good choice. Gathers (or shirring or rouching) on the sides allow a nice drape in the tummy area. Also, a pero or wrap at your hip with some detail will distract from your midsection.

Top Heavy – Of course a maillot with an underwire is the optimal choice, but they are hard to find. Look for a one piece halter style; this is going to offer you the best support while offering enough cleavage to keep your look sassy.

Small Bustline - Look for a top that has some padding. The best cut is a triangle top. Something that has some detail or embellishment like embroidery, ruffles etc. will bring more balance to the top half of your body. A bikini in a bright print will offer the illusion of balance.

Bottom Heavy – Bring attention to the top of your suit; this can be done with ruffles on top, pattern on the top and a plain bottom. This can also be done with a deep v, and jewelry (yes, simple jewelry with a bathing suit). A higher cut leg will elongate the line of your leg, making your hips appear thinner. Styles to steer clear of include boy shorts, no ruffles or embellishment on the bottom of your suit – this includes bikini styles that tie on the side.

Tips on bathing suits

Does bathing suit season stress you out? Does the idea of shopping for a new bathing suit give you into a hot flash with hives? Let me help!

I offer some ideas on what to look for in a good bathing suit in a segment that aired on WSBT TV on July 3. Click HERE to see the complete segment.

Q&A on wardrobe to travel with

QUESTION:


I will be traveling to Washington D.C. the middle of June and would like your input on comfortable clothing and shoes for miles of sightseeing. I am 50 years old, 5'6" tall and thin. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

-Pam

Hey Pam!


Thanks so much for your question.


The one suggestion I would make to you on a travel wardrobe is to NOT try to change your style for a vacation. Many people do this. For vacations, they pack all kinds of things they wouldn't normally wear...so they never get worn. In today's economy of overpriced fees imposed on luggage - we simply don't have room for things we're not going to wear!


Let's create a capsule wardrobe. 7 ish pieces that you will be able to wear, mix and match - to create all the outfits you need on a vacation!


I suggest a few things. First, a crop pant that is light weight, something you can wear sightseeing, or could dress up. Pair that with a fun flowing tunic for daytime - and a great floral blouse for the evenings.


Next let's consider a walking short...something in a basic color (black or brown). Work those shorts with a tank top with some kind of detail on it (maybe a pattern, or some kind of rivet or embroidery detail) - this is perfect for daytime. For the evening, it is very chic to take walking shorts, add a silk blouse and a cardigan or jacket and strappy sandal.


I would also consider adding a light weight jacket or sweatshirt. You never know on vacations, when the weather is going to take a turn, and you need a little warmth! It's always a good idea to error on the side of caution...at least for me, I hate to be cold!


Finally, add in some extra shirts that will match with either the walking shorts or the crop pants. Things like tank tops for layering are always a good idea.


Shoes...you mentioned that you have trouble finding comfortable shoes. I suggest checking out Zappos. They have about every shoe you can think of on this site! I did a quick search on comfort shoes, and came up with roughly 10,000 options!



I've actually gown a fondness for Born shoes lately. Very comfy, and they have a new line called the Crown Collection, that is very stylish.



There is also a website/blog Barking Dog Shoes that I love. Lots of great advice for those with foot issues.



I hope this helps, and that you have a GREAT vacation!



-Kathy