Goodwill Tips: Models Wanted for the Little Black Dress Fashion S...

Goodwill Tips: Models Wanted for the Little Black Dress Fashion S...: Yes, it's that time of year again when we search Michiana for an amazing group of ladies willing to be our models for the Little Black...

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.

Yes, it's that time of year again when we search Michiana for an amazing group of ladies willing to be our models for the Little Black Dress fashion show and luncheon.

I know you have questions!  Here are some FAQs:

WHAT KIND OF MODELS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for ladies between the ages of 18-100.  We ask that those who wish to be a model NOT be a high school student, be able to provide their own transportation and have an email address and a telephone number that they check daily.

I AM NOT A MODEL SIZE, IS THAT OK?
That's great!  We don't want real models for this show.  That is what makes this fashion show so great and fun for everyone!  We search for a variety of ladies from size 0-24+! 


WHAT IS MY COMMITMENT IF I AM CHOSEN TO BE A MODEL?
You will be asked to attend one of the open model calls in person (sorry, no exceptions to this!).  This interview will take about 10- minutes.

After the open calls, you will be notified if you have been chosen to be a model in this year's show.  If you are chosen you will be scheduled for a fitting.  The fittings will take place at the Goodwill store on Western Ave. in South Bend.  The times for the fittings are typically on Tuesday / Wednesday between 10am and 3pm.  The fittings are a week before the event. The fitting will take about 30 minutes. We do our best to accommodate everyone's schedule, however we ask that all models do their best to make the prearranged time for their fitting work into their calendar.

HOW ARE THE MODELS FOR THE FASHION SHOW CHOSEN?
After the open calls, a committee from the Style and Image Institute will consider each lady interested in being a model.  Models are chosen based on availability for the fitting and event and overall personality.  Our goal is to have models that represent the largest variety possible of sizes and ages on the runway.

WHO CHOOSES THE OUTFITS FOR THE MODELS?
All of the looks on the runway are completely managed and styled by the Style and Image Institute stylists, under the direction of Kathy Friend, the producer of the show and stylist. On the day of the show, the Style and Image Institute's hair and makeup team will be on hand to glam up the models and make them superstars!

Last minute Valentine ideas

Every now and again I feel the need to talk about something other than beauty and fashion. I feel like I should offer advice on something other than what color to wear and how to look thinner. Well...today is your lucky day!  

This morning I appeared on the WNDU Morning Show and offered some last minute Valentine gift ideas.  Get your shopping list ready - there's something for everyone!

 

 SHOPPING INFO:

There is a new trend out therhttps://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9117951317629263763#editor/target=post;postID=3329607560768169457e, and it’s called GALentine. Why wait for some guy to ask you out, or sit home alone?  Go out with your girlfriends, and show them how much they mean to you.

I love this idea.  There may be someone in your circle of friends who is going through a hard time. Show them that you support them with a stackable ring. Image your friend who is fighting breast cancer, opening a gift of a beautiful pink ring at dinner...and then all of your friends gathered at the table hold up their hand wearing the same ring. AWESOMENESS!

Stackable rings – JR Fox $30 - $80

FOR THE LOVE OF FASHION

with the purchase of a gift certificate of at least $300, you will get an amazing lunch, info at lunch about defining your signature style, AND a certified style expert to help you shop. Great idea for your wife OR go in on a gift certificate with a few friends, and make it a girls day!

·         Private fashion luncheon $300 and up – Judee’s Boutique

·        Or a Love Mom bracelet from a new boutique. Charm bracelets are always a great idea because going forward, you don't have to think of a gift...just add a charm!

 ·         New’ charm bracelet - $50 - $100 JR Fox

 ·        Or a Love Mom bracelet from a new boutique.

·         Love Mom bracelet Be https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9117951317629263763#editor/target=post;postID=3329607560768169457Beautiful With Grace Boutique

 

MADE WITH LOVE CALENDAR

 Nothing says I love you more than something DIY. This is a 6x6 scrapbook page holder, that I made into a calendar.  The plastic sleeves and the holder were about $12 from the craft store. Great for a husband or Dad!

 

Custom hand made calendar - $12 ish from craft stores

GOODIE BAGS

For teachers? These little bags are about $5 for 4 of them from Michael's craft store.  Fill them with goodies from the Dollar Store, and include a note why you think that person is special.  I found this note pad that has you fill out why you love someone - something like this would be a perfect compliment to the Goody Bags.  The note pad was $5 from Barnes and Noble.

LOVE TO READ

When I have no idea what to get someone, I always think BOOKS!  Consider a limited special edition of a classic romance novel. 

 

Love Books - $10 - $35 Barnes and Noble

TRADITIONS

Crate traditions with your family so next year you don't have to think about what to get!  In out family, we always get a pair of PJs and one box of candy. This time of year cozy PJs are on clearance.  Found these at Target for $12.

PJs - $10-$12 Target

Is your tradition flowers?  Add a gold dipped rose  - that is something she will have forever. 

Gold dipped roses - $90 JR Fox

If you are the guy who like to get something blingy for your gal, go the extra mile this year, and present it to her on top (or with) a gourmet cupcake.

Cupcake $3 – Gigi’s

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