Yes… we are closing in on the holiday season fast!  The festivities are beginning.  It is the time of year that many of my clients are emailing and calling me frantically asking what to wear for their company party or family gathering.  This year let’s keep it simple!!

Time to pull out your Perfect Black Dress (PBD).  Take it out today and make sure it is clean!  Below I will share a few ways to keep your look festive and fashion forward.  If you don’t have a PBD, I put together some tips on how to choose one.

Before we step into the perfect cut for your Body Silhouette keep this in mind.  It MUST be comfortable!  My fav PBD is from Karen Kane.  When I slip it on it feels like I’m wearing my pajamas!  Made from a combination of a knit rayon/spandex blend.

No pulling or shifting or sucking it in.  It’s tough to feel confidence when you are worrying about whether your bra is showing or feeling the need to focus the whole evening on sucking in your tummy.

Having said that, Nordstrom and I put together some tips for choosing that Perfect Black Dress (PBD)!

 Petite:

The PBD for the petite frame elongates and flatters like this three-quarter sleeve Donna Morgan dress with ruffle trim (Buy Direct.)  Look for a dress with a lot of shape and horizontal seaming — and is scaled just right for your figure. The hemline should hit at or slightly above the knee.  Avoid too-cutesy looks (like puffed sleeves or giant bows) so you won’t look little girlish.

 Sensitive About Your Arms:

Don’t worry: you don’t have to look matronly to cover up your arms. The trick is to keep the sexy element with embellishment or peekaboo cutouts on your PBD. A sheer-sleeve dress is another great way to get some sex appeal and still conceal arms. (Buy Direct)

Curvy:

Just because your figure has curves doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a PBD. And nothing looks sexier than showing a little skin in an elegant scarf draped dress. (Buy Direct).  Look for designs enhancing and make you look and feel even more beautiful than they already are.

 Wide Shoulders:

You don’t need to hide your upper body in your PBD if you have wide shoulders. Instead, look for body-balancing details like the trendy asymmetrical neckline, like this one-shoulder style (Buy Direct) Avoid puffy sleeves or voluminous tops paired with slim bottoms that will exaggerate your shoulder width.

 Wide Hips:  

The easiest way to balance a bottom-heavy figure is to choose a PBD that skims over the lower half of the body. Fuller skirts, like this Monique Lhuilllier dress, (Buy Direct) disguise heavy hips, while showing off the waist. A fitted halter or strapless silhouette — which accents a trim upper body — is very flattering for bottom-heavy figures.

 Full Bust:

Balance a top-heavy figure in a PBD by opting for the most flattering necklines for the full bust: the V-neck, square neck, wrap or portrait style like this Maggy London dress. (Buy Direct). Look for fabrics that skim (jersey is good), but aren’t clingy or too stiff. Also, avoid ornate necklines, embellished bodices and blouson styles.

 Small Bust:

Most clothing actually hangs better on women with smaller busts, but if you want to add more volume up top look for embellishment or fullness on the bust. This dress (Buy Direct) has ruffles on the bust that give it volume, plus a defined waist which flatters the upper body.

If you are still struggling to find the PBD, choose separates.  Choosing a skirt and top (using the same tips above) can give the same elegance as the PBD.

 Now Accessorize It!!

Now that you have your PBD (or separates), here are a few tips to make it a timeless piece that you can wear it multiple times and keep the look fresh!

Bring color and festivity in by wearing a statement shawl or pashmina.  Not sure how to wear it?  Take a look! … or…Faux fur is all the rage this season so bring it on with a wrap or short jacket!  Warm and cozy!

Your jewelry plays a key role in your look!  Wear small fine jewelry for the Classy Lady look or chunky fashion jewelry for a more fashion forward City Chic look.

Your SHOES!  This is the perfect time to step into some statement shoes.  Do they need to be black.  NO!!  Have fun with a red patent peeptoe! 

Your handbag!  Just like with the shoes, have FUN!  No, the bag does not need to match the shoes.  Fun to go with black, head to toe and then pop some color with your evening bag.

Once you check the PBD off your list, it’s time to celebrate the season with family and friends!  Hope your holidays are fabulous and blessed.

What accessorizing tip will you use this year for your PBD?  I love to learn from you, so please do share!

Smiles, J

Who knew that you might choose your jewelry based on your Body Silhouette?  Believe it or not, you can balance out the shape of your face and body with the right necklace.  Your arms can be made to look more willowy with the right bracelets.  Rings can even play a positive part in the appearance of your hands!

Necklaces

Women of average height and weight, those with oval faces, and thin, tall women can select almost any style of necklace. Necklaces of same-size pearls or gemstones are especially attractive on tall women. Chokers help de-emphasize height.

The rectangular face needs jewelry that adds width and disguises its length. Both chokers and U-shaped necklaces reduce the length help break up the angles to flatter the face. These styles also help soften the sharp chin of a triangular or heart-shaped face.

Longer necklaces help lengthen the look of square or round faces. They also add stretch to a short frame when worn below the bust line but above the waist.

For the full-figured, longer styles draw the eye downward elongating your height. Pieces with larger stones and/or thicker chains are also preferable to small, delicate pieces

Bracelets

Wider bracelets are more proportionate for women of average height. Narrow bands and bangles are great choices for petite women. Delicate bracelets make longer arms look gangly. Depending on height, either several narrow bands worn together or a couple of wide bands adds balance to a full figure.

Rings

Select rings according to the size and shape of your finger.  Long fingers can handle almost any style of ring. However, oval or round settings soften the look of overly thin fingers and wider bands are more flattering than thin ones.

If your fingers are short, measure the area between the knuckle on your hand and the first joint of your finger. Make sure the setting and stone don’t extend past the knuckle. As well as being uncomfortable, rings that cover the knuckle tend to make fingers look shorter. Narrow bands are definitely a better choice for short fingers!

Jewelry can play such a key part in your LOOK, so have fun!!

 Based on what you learned above, what piece are you going to pull out and wear??

I often read articles and blog posts like “10 Things Every Woman Should Have in Her Closet” and giggle. At Wardrobe Rx we cater to the everyday woman (beautiful and empowered) and I’m thinking that not every woman is cut out for a rabbit fur vest or 5” spike heels with studs.

I decided to share with you the 10 Things I Think Every Woman Should Have in Her Closet”! Not all are what you might think!

1.  Column of color- a matching solid colored pant (or skirt) and underpinning or layering top. Winters are best in black. Springs go for a light to medium brown. Summers choose a light to medium gray. Autumns look great in rich chocolate brown. Not sure about your colors? Check out My Perfect Color Palette.

2.  Jeans with a dark wash- These make all of my lists! So versatile you can dress ‘em up or down.

3.  Neutral Colored V, Scoop or Cowl Neck Cashmere Sweater. If cashmere bothers you, go for a tightly woven good quality cotton (with a bit of stretch) knit sweater.

4.  Metallic shoes- Winters and Summers choose pewter and Springs and Autumns go for bronze.

5. A matching metallic purse! Your metallics are your BEST neutrals! LOVE em

6.  Scarf in a POP Color! Nothing better than a scarf to bring color reflecting light to make your skin look radiant!

7.  A WOW necklace or choker. While making your choice be a little BOLD and go for one that really makes a statement.

8.  A FRESH sachet! Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, cedar and orange essential oils are eco-friendly moth repellants and are safe!

9.  A clothing steamer!! I LOVE my TObi Steamer! I use it every day.  Take a look at my instructional video on how to use it.

10. An attitude of self-love- When we step into the closet and make the choice to put our best foot forward in really caring about our appearance it makes a difference in how we feel about ourselves, our relationships and our business success!

What would YOU add to that list?

To YOUR Empowered Style!

I LOVE fall!! As the weather cools down and the leaves begin to change, I know it is time to make my choices for MY FAVORITE FALL FASHIONS!  I usually choose 3 TOP PICKS, but this year I have 5 because I had a tough time narrowing it down to 3!

1.  A great POP of color!  While this is usually something you might hear in Spring or Summer, the designers finally realized that we like to POP throughout the year.  If your color palette is Summer or Winter your 2011 Fall POP color is fuscia.  If your color palette is Spring or Autumn go with one of the beautiful rust tones so popular this fall.  Where to pop the color? A hat, top, scarf, handbag, shoes or a Standout Jacket…

2.  A Standout Jacket!  What is a Standout Jacket?  Easy… when you see one you say WOW what a great jacket!!  You might say, “I could never carry that off”.  Fear not!  Step out of your box and give it a try.  You’ll love all of the compliments you receive!

3.   A Statement Necklace with SPARKLE!!  Nothing brings zip into your look better than a great accessory.  I must say that accessories make me giddy!  Such an easy way to change up a look and show YOUR Empowered Style!  Check out my fave pick from Lia Sophia, The Fiji Necklace.  You’ll SHINE!

4.  Dark Bootcut Jeans.  Whenever I see a great top or jacket, I always think about all of the pieces it can go with and end up pairing it with jeans.  There is nothing like a fab pair of jeans for versatility.  My faves are Fidelity Denim Beladonna and NYDJ Dark Wash Bootcut!  Give them a try!

5.  AMAZING Skin Care!  What does that have to do with Fall Fashion?  Everything!  No matter what time of year it is, healthy skin is a huge part of our LOOK.  I have found an especially wonderful masque and HAD to share.  I am “Masquing” my face as I write this !!    Arbonne RE9 Cellular Renewal Masque.  You’ll be RADIANT!

I always say, “the feelings follow the actions”.  When you take the ACTIONS to honor yourself as a woman and put your best foot forward in caring for yourself, mentally- physically – emotionally – spiritually, you FEEL beautiful!

Which Fall Fashions are you gonna GRAB for YOUR Empowered Style?

“Oh, I would never want anyone to see my closet.”  “Cleaning out my closet overwhelms me!”  These are things I hear often from women.  Those are such valid feelings and I wanted to focus a bit on the power of them.

In my experience, a woman’s reticence about tackling the big job of cleaning out and organizing her wardrobe, often times has little to do with the clothing and much to do about the memories and emotions related to the garments.  Think about it… each and every item of clothing has stories and reminiscence connected to it.

Sara pulled out a little black dress she had worn to her cousin’s wedding in the 80‘s.  Sharon had met her husband Stan that day, a glorious one!  The day had been great, but the dress now had moth holes in it and the shoulder pads were the size of the Europe!  What is a wardrobe stylist to do?  Let’s take a moment to explore why clothing is hard to part with.  In Sara’s case, she was still madly in love with her husband, Stan.  After some careful probing, she realized that the memory the dress had provoked brought back a time of newness in her relationship with him.  We chatted a bit more about some of the things she and Stan did when they first met and, VOILA’, they used to go clothes shopping together!  Sara and Stan had not shopped together for years.  The solution was clear… take a shopping trip with Stan and find a new black dress TOGETHER.  Just knowing that was on the horizon gave Sara the courage to toss the dress! YOU GO Sara…

Then there was sweet Janet.  After attending one of my Discover Your Empowered Style Workshops, Janet approached me with tears in her eyes and proceeded to tell me that she had held onto her maternity clothing well past what might be a normal time period.  Her daughter, an only child, was now 24 years old!  Janet had always wanted to have more children and had not been able to.  Such a deep hurt for her.  After a few moments of listening to Janet’s pain, I asked her if there was one very special item she had worn while pregnant with her daughter.  She described a pink tunic with white trim and pearl buttons she had worn to the baby shower.  I asked her how she would feel about having it cleaned professionally, wrapping it very carefully as a gift and tucking it in her daughter’s hope chest.  Her eyes lit up and at that point she was emotionally able to give up all of the other maternity clothing that had been cluttering up her closet!  Now her daughter had something to look forward to- a well loved maternity top!

I love the challenge of coming up with safe ways for women to “move on” within their wardrobes.  When women begin to accept and embrace life AS IT IS TODAY.. that is a golden key to their Empowered Style!

Do you have a “black dress” or “maternity top” in your closet?  It’s time to celebrate what it meant to you and embody what is YOUR Empowered Style NOW!!

“I want to keep those “skinny” clothes in case I lose weight.” Something I hear often when I perform the delicate task of sorting through a client’s wardrobe.  I say, “GET RID OF THEM!”  That may seem harsh, but believe me when I say it is best for the psyche!  A large majority of the time, my clients (or women in general are either thinking about losing weight or in the process of doing so.  There is a huge difference in the two.  Thinking about doing it is not the same as actually taking the actions to do so.  If you are in the “thinking stage” I challenge you to this…

but, before we begin I must clarify that Skinny or Skinnier Jeans (for our purposes) means your jeans that fit great when you are at  your healthiest weight.  Now… on to the challenge…

Patty Manning Lennon, shares in Step One of her Happy Juice Potion- “Kill the Joysuckers-  Perhaps you’ve been hanging onto a pair of skinny jeans to “motivate” you to lose the last 10 pounds.  Get honest with yourself – Do they motivate you or just make you feel bad?  Most likely they act as a subtle form of punishment and it is time to give them away.  There is someone that can benefit from those jeans.  Release them and they will turn from your joysucker into someone else’s joy-enhancer.”  I say… Those proverbial skinny (skinnier) jeans may actually be sabotaging your move from the stage of thinking about it losing weight to actually doing it!

If you are in the action stage, (standing ovation here ) I suggest you keep a few items (remember this is just my opinion) as what usually happens with my clients is when they do lose their weight they want NEW clothes.  New body = new clothes!

On a similar note, as women process thru losing the weight they don’t want to waste money on buying new clothes until they hit their target.  I really do get the thinking behind that, but it is a HUGE mistake!  I always suggest treating themselves to one column of color (a solid colored matching top and pants or skirt).  Wearing something that fits properly (and btw can be altered down) is a huge boost to self esteem and creates a positive outlook and momentum to lose more!

If you are on thinking about stepping into the healthier living process, I applaud you! Once I was sharing with a friend of mine that I was not feeling healthy.  I had not been eating right or exercising.  Her loving response was, “Well… we can be sitting here in three weeks and you can be complaining about the same thing or be feeling three weeks healthier.”  OUCH!  She was right.  I admit, I am at that place of not taking the best care possible right now.  A bump in my road, but fixable!

Do I need to take the actions to be healthier?  Yes I do!   Tomorrow it begins.. really… I am fired up and tired of feeling so-so.  I do have control over how I care for myself.  I admit that openly as it is also my way of being accountable to you.

Do you need to take a step (even a small one) to take better care of yourself?  What is that step?  Will you share it with us openly?  A first step in the right direction!  I’m in it with you!

Be honest… how many pair of blue jeans do you have in your wardrobe?  Although a wardrobe consultant, I confess I have quite a few.  Jeans for my bloated days, jeans for my “skinny” days, jeans for hiking, jeans for a date night with my hub and…. well… you get the picture.

American women have a tempestuous relationship with blue jeans. Not since the bathing suit, has the search for the perfect pair become so elusive! Recently the LA Times Business Section had an article about blue jeans. In it, Alice Harris, author of “The Blue Jean,” a book that chronicles America’s love affair with denim, talked about shopping for jeans. “It’s a nightmare,” she said, “you have to go first thing in the morning before you have eaten. You simply can’t try on jeans at 4 in the afternoon unless you are 16 years old. For the rest of us, it’s an 8am call!” Amen to that, sister!

When I shop with my clients, blue jeans are at the top of the list. Jeans have become a wardrobe staple — the foundation that millions of women live in. While many have recently turned to premium denim, for me (and my practical Irish side), the right fit is far more important than the logo on the pocket, which is usually going to be covered up anyway.

Finding the right jean can set the tone for a shopping day. It’s the first thing I fit when working with a client.  Comfort is KEY!  With jeans, while style is definitely important, comfort creates confidence, which is your best accessory!

Gonna touch on a sensitive subject here, ready?  For most body shapes, pants and jeans should sit at the hip (or just slightly above).  The mid-rise allows them to fall from your hip which allows for the cleanest drape.

My mid-rise favs are: Land’s End Bootcut, Fidelity Denim’s Belladonna, Levi’s Slightly Curvy, Levi’s Perfectly Slimming,  Agave.

My high-rise favs are: For those of you who want wear their jeans at the waist, your best choices are Miraclebody Jeans and Not Your Daughter’s Jeans.

15 Tips for Blue Jean Success!

-Buy jeans with stretch in them, but not too much. I’d love to be able to give you a guideline here, but there are so many fabric blends out now that I would just confuse you.

-Puhleeezzeee don’t focus on designer labels.  The fit and comfort is so much more important.

-Do the “squat” test when trying them on.  Then sit in them for a few minutes.  Are they comfortable?  Do they hold their shape when you stand back up?

-Plain pockets on the back create a smooth look

-Chose jeans with quality fabric that fit well (if you can’t put them on and forget you’re wearing them, DON’T buy them! Pulling  at your clothes is a confidence buster!)

-RESIST the urge to wear your jeans before you’ve had them hemmed

-Wash and dry them twice before you hem them

-When you find the perfect pair, buy 2

Have a pair hemmed for flats and a pair hemmed for heels (hem should be 1⁄4” from the floor)

-Go for a dark wash – the most versatile

-Wash them in cold water with Woolite for Darks for lasting color

-Bootcut is best for most bodies – tapered at the knee and a slight flare at the hem

-Search for quality, not quantity (a good pair of jeans will last for years)

-Where you purchase them matters!  What is the return policy like?  If you wear them a day and end up not liking the quality, can you return them?

-Have a great time on your “Blue Jean Safari” and when you find your perfect jeans, do share with us! Tell us the name brand and why they are your favs!

It’s vacation time again!  There’s a right way and a wrong way to pack for your summer get-aways! As I thought about my upcoming vacation, I realized how important it is to pack properly for a trip.

Packing in a rush NEVER WORKS! Things are always forgotten! I make it a point to start checking my destination weather daily about two weeks before my trip. I then pack at least a week before my trip! Packing in advance makes things so much more fun!

Here’s how I pack!

1. A week before my trip I create my outfits (accessories and all) and set aside each one. This way, if you have items that need washing or dry cleaning I still have some time!

2. Color Code your outfits! I suggest you begin with a column of color (i.e. a matching top and bottom). I like black or dark brown for travel because it’s so versatile. It shows less wrinkles and spots and can be dressed up or down with the right accessories.

3. Accessorize to Maximize! Maximize your column of color by changing the look with accessories. I choose fun pieces to be the focal point of the outfit. Scarves are super lightweight and add lots of style. Funky, fashion jewelry is all I ever bring with me (no fine jewelry, with the exception of my wedding ring). I choose one kind of metal – for me it’s silver. I take only one belt with me, and I pack it because it’s one less thing to hassle with at airport security (if I’m flying).

4. Shoes and Handbags – When flying, I make sure to wear slip on shoes and socks (so when I take off my shoes in security I’m not barefoot, ewww)! Comfort is the MOST important aspect of travel shoes – that comes from the heart of this fashionista! This summer, my biggest tip for shoes is PEWTER, PEWTER, PEWTER! It’s absolutely the most versatile color for shoes and bags. I recommend taking two pairs of these. Wear the heaviest ones when you’re en route to keep your bag light. Final tip, bring a lightweight handbag in pewter as well. You’ll sail through your trip looking sharp all the way!

Here are a few more of travel tips from both myself and my friend, professional organizer, Bette Martin of Necessary Indulgence:

* Make a list of everything you want to take and keep it on your computer under ‘Travel.’ This way each time you pack you have something to refer to.

* Lay your larger items like jackets and pants on the bottom and over the ends of your suitcase. Turn jackets inside out for less wrinkles. Fold your smaller items like shirts and pj’s along their lines and roll carefully for less wrinkles. Tuck them in and then wrap those larger items over the top.

* Take medications, make-up, toiletries and hard to replace items (like you favorite bathing suit) with you in your carry-on if you fly.

* Roll scarves, socks and underwear- and tuck in shoes or around the edges.

* Take a plastic or fabric bag for dirty laundry.

* I like to compartmentalize my pieces (I like LL Bean Ultralight packers – zippered packing pouches that have mesh pockets so items are easily id’d).

* Pack heavy items like shoes and toiletries at the bottom near the wheels so their weight is not crushing other items when you are rolling.

* Over time I have duplicated, in travel size, all of my skin care and cosmetics. That way I spread the cost out and now have so much less to pack and unpack!

* Most importantly- Have a wonderful vacation!

Turn on your that computer and create your packing list!  You’ll be glad you did .

What are your best packing tips?

Whewwwhewwww! This is a fun one! An organized shopper is a happy shopper (and she saves money)!

1. Set your clothing budget (in writing) BEFORE you get to the register! Like before you leave the house!

2. Prioritize what you need (in writing on the same page you set your budget)!  Avoid impulse purchases you may later regret.

3. Familiarize yourself on return policies BEFORE you make your purchases.

4. Save your receipts!! I know it sounds obvious, but you would be surprised how many women don’t!

5. Create separate envelopes or file folders for your favorite stores and keep the corresponding receipts in them.

6. Keep the tags on your clothing until you decide to wear it. Often times women will take all of the tags off first, don’t end up wearing the item, then can’t return it. Frustrating and a waste of money!

7.  When you do take the tags off, staple them to the corresponding receipt for easy returns!

BONUS! If you don’t need the item immediately, take down the style number, size and color and search for it on the internet. 9 times out of 10 I am able to find it for a better price online because I have Googled the item and found it at an online store. Then I Google for coupon codes for that store and … YESSSSS a savings! Let me give you an example: I found some shoes I loved at Nine West. I came home and found them online at Macy’s. I Googled “coupon codes Macy’s” and ended up getting 20% off, plus free shipping. It pays to do your research (and be patient, I know, I know… !)

Take those pens out and set that budget, prioritize, research and look mahvelous dahling!

We girls need to stick together…

What are your organized shopping and money saving tips?

Each one of us is a unique and beautiful woman!  Not that I would try to put any woman in a “style box” because my style often is often affected by my mood, but thought it might be fun to explore Style Personalities!

The “Classic Modern” woman always looks sophisticated and put together.  She wears traditional pieces of clothing as a foundation, but will add a bold piece of jewelry, or will splurge on a nice handbag to build the perfect look.  She likes to stay understated but chic.  For the most part, I fall in this category (along with the fabulous Helen Mirren) and personally call this “Classic with a Kick”.

The “Creative Original” (e.g. Gwen Stephani) woman chooses a wardrobe that fits her unique artistic taste.  She will put pieces together that others would never dream of, and she looks fabulous in them!  She is drawn to bold pieces and likes to add something special to each outfit.  She has a great eye for mixing thrift store finds with modern looks.

The “Style Fashionista” (i.e. Victoria Beckham) is a woman who is the first to wear the latest trends.  She loves going big and bold and will often integrate new trends into her current wardrobe.  She will often find her friends (and sometimes strangers!) asking for her style advice.

The “Pure Natural” woman (e.g. Julia Roberts) chooses a wardrobe that reflects her causal lifestyle.  She loves the environment and earth and leans towards natural fibers such as cotton, silk, and linen.  She wants her clothes to be soft and comfortable.  A soft cozy scarf is her favorite accessory.

What is your style personality and what makes you unique in that style?