A New Outlook

As Sherree wrote in her first post, "Fashion should be fun." This is the most important thing to remember when choosing an outfit. Far too often, I see people stressed-out, upset, or even frantic when shopping. I, too, am guilty of this fashion no-no. I can't tell you how many times I've thought "I can't go out tonight. My outfit isn't trendy enough." Or, "This skirt that was so adorable in the store is too dressy for work and too casual for the party." Or even, "Nothing looks good on me. I give up!"

But, I sat down today to do some research into winter trends, and I realized that clothing should be the wrapper on your body. It doesn't make you who you are. It isn't life-changing (though a great pair of heels can improve your outlook on life). It doesn't define you; it just enhances who you are and shows off what you love about yourself.

I made a decision today to never let my clothing be a cause for concern. My new motto is: If it is made well, fits well, and flatters my figure, there is no reason not to wear it. Not everyone can wear every trend well, so I need to find the ones that I can wear, and work them! Or, even better, I can take a trend and make it my own. Cutesy actresses like to wear leggings with hip-grazing tops and flats. Well, I'm only 5'2", and that formula would make me look like I'm 12 years old, so I've revamped the trend to work for me: I'll wear dark (read:slimming) skinny jeans with 2" heels to lengthen my legs and a top that hits below the hips to lengthen my torso. Instantly, I look longer, leaner, and more grown-up.

So, here is your assignment: find one trend that you can adopt and make "yours." Menswear? 40's-inspired suits? Red as your signature color? There's no limit when fashion is the choice!

Great Grey Days

There is one trend I keep coming across while shopping that I haven’t found mentioned in any runway recaps. Grey is still a hot, hot color, though it isn’t talked about much. I’m not sure why that is, though it may be that it’s become so popular it doesn’t need to be mentioned anymore. I was a little reluctant to put too much money into buying grey at first because I was afraid it would be a flash-in-the-pan. Turns out I was wrong. Grey is a great neutral, but it’s also a fun color all by itself.

The Clothes Gallery just received a great collection of suiting pieces from Nicole Benisti in grey stripes. I’m loving them. They’re cut well, classy, and cute. The pants, vest, and jacket can be worn together as a suit, with printed shoes for a fun kick. Or mix the individual pieces with funkier items for a variety of looks. A bright button-down under the vest would be great with jeans for a weekend look, or with the pants for a put-together look that isn’t quite as formal as the whole suit. Colored shoes and chunky jewelry would complete the look perfectly.

Also check out the suit with skirt from Nicole Benisti in brown plaid. Love those, too!

Oh, Blustery Day

November is here, and along with it, the icy cold whipping winds and dreary rainy days most of us dread. But, like most things, there is an up-side: you can dust the mothballs off those cute coats and jackets in your closet, or you can splurge on a fun new one for the season! Coats are fun because they can change your look so easily; a bright print or pattern can make an otherwise-classic look a little more festive, or a sleek, tailored fit can help you feel more polished before heading off to work.

The big bold plaid pattern on these trench coats by Compos’d is sure to bring a smile to your face on even the coldest of fall days. In either black and ivory or brown and green, the coat is a winner. A tie belt cinches your waist to keep you from looking bulky, and the hip-length hem makes the coat perfectly fitted no matter where your travels take you.

Looking for more cozy-soft look? MINS sweater coats in cocoa and oatmeal are home-runs. The long silhouette helps keep you toasty from your head to your knees, yet the swingy open front won’t let you look too stuffy. With 2 patch pockets to store your mittens, you won’t end up like those three little kittens we all have heard so much about.

Tricky Threads’ quilted “Brooke” jacket is more feminine in its styling, and more cheery in color. The bright red quilted fabric is sure to keep the wind from nipping, and the tie-front closure and over-sized collar lend softness and style to the silhouette.

The Clothes Gallery carries a great selection of other coats, jackets, and sweaters, so click the links to look around.