It’s fall, the economy sucks, and no one has any money to do much of anything, let alone spend it on a new fall wardrobe!  Ladies, get into your closets, and start “shopping”!  That great dress you wore all summer, can be “fallized” by topping it w/ either a long knit vest, cardigan, or tailored suit jacket.  Cinch it up with a belt for a real put-together look.  Instead of the open-toed shoes or sandals, put an opaque pair of hose, that either match or pick up the color of the dress, and pumps that match, to elongate your line. Better yet, now is the time to dig out your boots from last year, either tall  or ankle booties,but if you wear booties, make sure they match your hose, especially for work.  Ladies, Target has some new fabulous lines that are perfect for work, and range from 29.99 – 49.99.  I found a great sleeveless knit turtle-neck dress for 30 bucks, perfect when paired w/ the belted long cardigan or jacket for work.  I found a nice long sweater vest on sale for 30 bucks at Express,  that can be paired with a great silk blouse from the summer, and worn w/ a pair of tailored trousers, or pencil skirt.  Everyone should have a pencil skirt in their closet – it makes every figure type look great – just have to make sure it’s the right length for your height and proportions.  Shorter ladies, be sure it’s at or above your knee. Don’t like your knees, the opaque tight is your friend! Don’t be afraid to pile on the jewelry – experiment by combining more that one necklace to give a layered look, but don’t fuss over it  - this is not a matchy-matchy look.  If bracelets are your thing, go for it. You can change the look of any outfit, either by season, or day to night, just by your jewelry.  If you need to beef up or update your  costume jewelry collection, practically every retailer carries costume jewelry – again Target is great, and Stein Mart has wonderful, affordable bling.  Also, I like Banana Republic, for a classic w/ a twist style with a reasonable price tag.  On the subject of handbags, Marshall’s is now carrying the Makorsky line of handbags, previously sold only at dept. stores like Dillards and Nordstroms, at less than half the price.  You have got to feel the leather.  You can pick one up for well under 200.00, but it will become a closet staple, as long as you choose a good neutral color, you can wear it year round!  So ladies,  don’t mothball your summer clothes  - by mixing and adding a few key pieces, you are set to look “fall fabulous”!

 

Check back in for my “Haute Holiday” wardrobe tips!

So all you fashionistas out there – if you’re anything like I am, you were glued to your set to watch not only the awards themselves, but the Red Carpet preview and the post show deconstruction and destruction of all of the fashion.  What I found amazing is that there was almost no consensus of opinion about any of the stars styles or fashion picks, with the exception of Brad Garrett in the male category – UGLY!!!, and Brook Shields in the female category – FANTASTIC!!!  There were as many differing opinions as there were critics!  There were “pink slips” being furiously texted to more than half of the poor stylists who dared to have one of these stars as her client.  I thought 98% of the stars looked phenomenal, and deserved none of the often ridiculous and downright malicious criticism that was being bandied about by these “critics”.  Marcia Cross was simultaneously on the “Best Dressed” and “Worst Dressed” lists according to two different critics.  WHAT???  No wonder so many of us mere fashion mortals wander around dazed and confused when trying to figure out with the plethora of fashion items and styles out there, what the heck are we supposed to wear???

That’s why I am always screaming (euphemistically speaking, of course) about the need to define your style and then, remain true to it.  It’s easy to get caught up in the vortex of the ever changing fashion funnel. Don’t get me wrong – I adore and admire much of new fashion, new designers, and current trend watching.  But I always watch it all with an eye for what works for me, and what doesn’t.  Keeping a clear vision about who you are,  and your true style, will always keep you always on the “Best Dressed” list!  So there, you style critics!

The most important question to ask yourself before jumping into the overwhelming world of fashion is “What is my personal style?”  If you don’t know the answer to this question,  step away from the dressing room until you do.

I’m writing my first ever post about how fashion and style work together, and why they’re different.  Fashion is merely a tool to develop your style.  You must know your personal style before you can successfully use fashion as your tool.