For TRENDY sake! What to wear, and would you dare?

from the March 2015 edition of Sassy magazine

Trends this spring have a personality all of their own.  It seems the past few years trends have lacked punch, wow, zing…or personality. This season the designers and trend setters have more than made up for a lackluster past few years.  

Trend:  Bohemian Glam.  Think 60's and 70’s flower child, soft silhouettes, baby doll dresses. Within this trend we are seeing a lot of wild floral prints.  The key note to remember here is “go big and bold”, or “go home”!  The new silhouette falls into this category too – long over long! 

To Wear:  The easy breezy feel of this style certainly isn’t for everyone and doesn’t fit into everyone’s lifestyle. Having said that, I think we can all agree that a good maxi skirt or dress will work effortlessly into anyone’s wardrobe. Do it! 

Would you Dare: The new silhouette is HOT!  Long sweater with a wide-leg trouser or a long (ankle skimming) skirt with a long (past the knee) jacket. Would you? This look can be a bit overwhelming, so be sure to balance it with sky high shoes and a body-con top.

Trend: America The Beautiful.  – Think tablecloth floral reinvented into your favorite summer sheath.  Key pieces are shirt dresses, polo-style shirts, and lots of denim! Within this trend we are seeing overalls.  Yes ladies, you read that right – overalls!

The stand out detail in this trend is in print – gingham. Gingham…it isn’t for just picnics anymore! This check print you are going to see remixed against itself and translated into everything from shoes to handbags, tops, pants and more! 

To Wear:  Trade in your white blouse for a white polo shirt this spring. Pair it with your suiting pieces to give a slight casual edge to your look. 

Would you Dare:  Mixing gingham against another gingham piece or with another strong patterned piece is a style element seen on the runways.  Would you do a gingham pant or skirt with a star motif sweater or t-shirt?  This bold statement isn’t for the faint of heart, or for someone who doesn’t want to attract attention. However for those that love a little spotlight, give it a go!

Trend: Speaking of Denim.  Denim is everywhere, and I do mean everywhere! Denim is in dresses, skirts, shoes, handbags, vests, and even bathing suits.  This season, I take back everything I’ve ever said about not matching denim.  According to fashion trend setters, NOW is the time to be matchy matchy with your denim pieces. 

To Wear: My gut tells me this trend is one that won’t be sustainable, so consider adding in a pop of denim with accessories to capture the trend;  a shoulder bag with denim accents, or maybe a sandal that sports some denim fabric. 

Would You Dare:  A denim skirt with matching denim button-up? Or maybe a denim suit? If you are considering going all out monochromatic with denim this season, be sure to balance all that blue with bold accessory pieces.

Trend: Disco Fever: In looking through some of the runway looks for spring, it feels like the fashion houses were preparing for Woodstock or Studio 54.  Peasant tops, prairie skirts, bell bottoms, wide collars, fringe and tassels.  More conservative pieces harken back to the Brady Bunch and Partridge Family looks, while others seem to capture an edgy pre-hairband vibe. Mega Platform shoes and lace up to the knee gladiator style sandals are being seen with cut offs and midriff baring tops. Alongside these pieces look for tons of embellishment.

Last year we saw leather in spring trends, so it's no surprise we're seeing suede this year. The pieces I am seeing have a distinct 70's mod feel to them in the patchwork feel of skirts, jackets and handbags.

To Wear:  Take the 70’s vibe chic in your work wardrobe this spring.  Pair a wide leg pant with a form fitting blouse with an over-exaggerated collar. Maybe you have one of those great blouses tucked away in your closet that is a true vintage piece.  Dust it off and bring it forward in your wardrobe!  You will be the fashion-envy of all your friends. 

Would You Dare: Patchwork.  I have passed on these vintage gems at thrift stores so many times, and now I am kicking myself! Embrace a suede patchwork skirt in early spring, and a bold patchwork shift dress or baby doll style in later spring. Of course, these pieces must be paired with a wooden sole platform shoe! 

Whatever your fashion-plan is this season, remember my number one rule of thumb: 

if you put it on and question it, the answer is “no, don’t try it”. 

  On the other hand if you try one of these new-to-you trends and think
“I can totally pull this off”, then YES!

Be confident showing your personal style!
As for me, I plan on embracing my inner rocker-chick and getting outfit inspiration from 70’s rock band CD covers.

TOO MANY BAD HAIR DAYS? …it’s time for a change!

Having issues with your hair?  ME TOO!  Ugh, seems this time of year my hair is in a tizzy.

In the February issue of Sassy Magazine, I give some tips on what to do what that hair! 

 Maybe it’s time for you to rev up your look. According to master stylist Kerri Spencer (owner of Kerri’s AvenueSalon in Granger, IN), “One thing that can quickly date your look is your hairstyle.  You can easily look 10 years younger with an updated hairstyle.  This is why we suggest changing your style, even slightly, every year.”

When choosing the best haircut, consider your face shape.  Kerri says, “The most important thing about your hair cut is to make sure it fits your face, draws attention to your best features, and minimizes flaws.  The goal is to get to a balanced oval shape.” 

ROUND FACE:  If you have a round face, consider a hairstyle with varying lengths and angles. Straight styles also work very nicely for you.  Try something with a side part and a side-swept bang. Remember to keep some fullness on the top to create balance.

Best cut: a shaggy or angled bob

Avoid:

·         Center parts

·         Fullness on the sides

OVAL FACE:  If you have an oval face, most hairstyles will look good on you.  Bangs are a must. Depending on your style and age, try a side swept bang or a blunt bang.  Soft waves can work nicely for you to add volume at the sides.

Best cut: shoulder length (or longer) bob with slight bang and fullness on the sides

Avoid:

·         No bangs

·         Straight severe styles

SQUARE FACE:  If you have a square face, the goal with your hair is to create some softness with curls and waves. You will want to pay particular attention to the crown to be sure you are adding volume. This will create a nice balance. Short and medium length hair styles are the best for you.

Best cut: a shoulder length tousled shag

Avoid:

·         Styles that end at your chin

·         Super straight hair

HEART FACE:  If you have a heart shaped face, styles that hit at the neck/chin add volume to the bottom portion of your face creating a beautiful balance. Long styles are also great for you. Choose a style that will have varying layers around your face, with one layer hitting near your ears / nose, and the other at your chin.

Best cut: longer styles with multi layers around the face

Avoid:

·         Styles that have a lot of height at the crown

·         Straight styles with no layers

When it comes to color it is easy to make a mistake or get stuck in a rut.  Kerri Spencer, master stylist, says, “As a general rule, you should keep some of your natural color peeking through somewhere.”

To find the perfect color, consider your skin tone. Determine the underlying tones in your skin by using color swatches; silver or blue for cool, and gold or yellow for warm.  Place these on the face/neck and see what is the most flattering to your skin tone.  Pay attention to increased ruddyness, wrinkles, or darkness under your eyes. Those are the tones you should avoid in your hair color.  Be sure to do this wearing no makeup (or very little) and in an area that is well lit with natural lighting. Outside on a sunny day is best.  Another trick is to look at the underside of your wrists in sunlight.  If you see more blue you are a cool.  If you see more green/yellow you are a warm.

Best for Cool tones: Choose a shade with some warmth like golden blonde, orange-red, honey light brown or chocolate brunette

Best for Warm tones:  Cooler hair tones will be beautiful on you. Try ash brown, beige blonde, champagne light blonde, auburn red or dark espresso brown

Whatever you decide to do to add some sass to your hair this year, remember that you are beautiful!   Don’t try to get the exact hairstyle of that red-carpet celebrity or something like your best friend. Your own kind of beautiful is always the best choice.

#hairforfaceshape

#Hair and Makeup

#Kerri Blair

#Sassy Magazine

#KathyFriendstylistandimageconsultant

STRATEGIC WARDROBING - Keys to camouflaging a little fluff

{as seen in Sassy Magazine}

What is it about this time of the year; the weather seems to dictate our daily fashion statements which means our style is best described as  “ho-hum”. Look around, we have all fallen into a winter monochromatic slump. The notion of dressing in all one color has us thinking we are looking instantly slimmer…but that on-color ensemble can also make us look like we’re not trying. There are other ways to camouflage what the gym hasn’t taken care of yet

CAMOUFLAGE TIPS

Go all one color – this doesn’t mean you can simply choose black as your ‘statement’ and go with that until the first tulip pops up in the garden.   Choose a hue you know you look good in, for example blue. There are very few people who don’t look amazing in blue! Vary the intensity of the colors from head to toe, and mix in a little texture.  This will make your outfit look styled as opposed to thrown together.  

inside column

outside column

Become a column – break up the monochromatic monotony in your outfit choices with column dressing.  A column of color either on the inside or outside of your look can strategically direct the eye away from a little extra fluff.  For example, if you are holding weight in your midsection, be sure to create a column on the outside to bring the eye away from your belly.  Any place you have color or a detail is where onlooker’s eyes will fall.  Be sure they are looking where you want them to! 

Keep accessories bold – big statement necklaces, over-the-top cocktail rings, bright lipstick.  These are all things that will capture the focus in your look.   There are many ways this can be done with jewelry, makeup even shoes.  

Proportion is key – the proportion of all of your accessories need to be in-line with the proportion of your silhouette.  If you are a petite gal, be sure not to opt for the largest handbag you can find.  This will throw off your silhouette and make you appear unbalanced.  Likewise, if you are a plus size sassy woman, make sure your jewelry isn’t on the delicate side. This “proportion is key” notion should also be considered when choosing the weight of prints and the busyness of patterns. 

FREE-B! Go to www.KathyFriend.com and get a free chart that will help you decide the best kind of accessories to choose.

The most important element in embracing your “transitional figure” between winter and spring is to know your true beauty is an extension of your true self.

The best wardrobe will not be flattering unless you are shining from within.

THE STYLE CLASH

When our true style is in conflict with professional work attire

(as seen in the April edition of Sassy Magazine)

Have you ever considered how your 2 world are so vastly different?  Your work world and your LIFE?  For over 70% of us, that means we work full-time and have kids. http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2013/ted_20130510.htm We spend an average of 10 hours a day, every day, working and attending to tasks. http://www.bls.gov/tus/charts/  In other words 10 hours a day not sleeping, being with our family and friends; 70 hours a week. 

Now let’s think about what most of us sassy working mom’s do for a living.  What kinds of clothing we are required to wear for work. For most of us that look is a traditional professional style. The disconnect is considering what kinds of clothing we like, that we choose to wear when we are living our lives, looks much different than the attire we wear to work.

Consider your Style Personality, the clothing you wear is a direct reflection of who you are; your personality. You feel the most beautiful, confident and the most like your TRUE SELF when you wear a great outfit that reflects who you are.  The conflict comes when we spend 70 hours a week (some weeks more!) in our career wardrobe that doesn’t look anything like our real Style Personality.

Think about it this way; it can feel like for 8+ hours a day you are wearing someone else’s clothes. They aren’t they colors you like or the style you like. You can’t wait to get home and change clothes. The instant you are able to pull on your favorite jeans and that amazing top you feel like you can take a breath. Your mood shifts from subtle annoyance to happy go-lucky I CAN TAKE ONE THE WORLD!

As a certified Stylist and Image Consultant, I encourage my clients to see their wardrobes as one complete thing.  I don’t believe in creating a “work wardrobe” and a “Life wardrobe”.  That is a very expensive wardrobe plan and as working Moms, we need to get the most out of the budget we set aside for ourselves.

According to Michelle, a high level marketing executive for a large bank, “For years I found I was altering the real me at work; I was trying to be who I thought my colleagues and clients wanted me to be.  I need to be rather conservative with my attire at work, and I took that general apparel direction to the ‘nth degree. With my friends and family I am the life of the party. At work, I was feeling dull and lifeless.  This conflict caused a lot of tension with my career.  I noticed it and so did my co-workers and boss.  I gave myself permission to infuse some of myself real self into my professional world.  One of those steps was with my wardrobe. I began to see I was making professional gains I didn’t think was possible. I know this is because my confidence level increased because I was being myself, not trying to be someone else.”

No More White Blouses and Suits!  Perhaps the most un-creative professional look is the navy (or black) suit with a white blouse. Make a stand against the professional look everyone has. NO MORE WHITE BLOUSES! Add color and pattern to the great tailored suit. The blouse you love to wear in the summer with shorts and capris can work with your power suit. Don’t shy away from tucking it in and adding a bold belt (with the skirt, under the jacket). 

Un-Suit your suit.  Who said you HAVE to wear that jacket with that skirt? Who wrote the fashion law that says “you can only wear a suit as a suit, you shant ever wear the pieces separately!”  The answer? No-one!  Mix things up: khaki suit jacket with black suit pants, a leather suit jacket with the pencil skirt from your power suit, make cardigans your new go-to jacket. If your workplace will allow, infuse some denim with your suiting pieces. What could be more office-chic than a smartly tailored denim shirt with a pin stripe suit? Or perhaps your favorite jean jacket with a pair of trousers and silk blouse.  

Permission to buy new shoes.  Yes, I am giving you permission to go shoe shipping.  You are welcome. Adding some of your Style Personality into your professional wardrobe with shoes (or any accessories) can turn a forgettable drab suit into a memorable ensemble. Think about it; a great pin stripe suit with an Ahhhhh-mazing pair of bright red stilettos with a silver spiked heel. Not your style? What about that suit with a zebra print kitten heel?  Get away from being matchy-matchy with your shoes and your outfits. Try new combinations. Start your “what to wear today” internal conversation with “I will wear these shoes today with…” 

Tailoring.  For many of us, it can be hard to get rid of things in our closets we have invested in. Suits can be at the top of the list. If the style is one that was in-vogue years ago it needs a little revamp. Consider shortening the skirt, take the sleeves of the jacket to ¾, give trousers a new silhouette - a peg leg, add an interesting gathered detail at the back of the jacket. 

Cocktails at work?  Did I just hear thousands of women all over Michiana yell “yes, PLEASE!”  Well….I am not suggesting THAT kind of cocktail, but more the jewelry variety. Bring your favorite party, evening and cocktail jewelry pieces into your professional wardrobe. Add a sparkly brooch to that boring suit jacket, rhinestone necklace layered with a non-descript chain, a statement cocktail ring as your ‘every-day-right-hand’
 

I’m not suggesting you go against corporate norms.  The first impression created by a professional and polished image is critical to overall career success.  I am, however, suggesting you infuse your REAL Style Personality into your professional life.  After all…you spend a lot of time there.  You might as well feel your best!