Designers 101
Since it’s
time for the kids to go back to school I thought a little education of your own
would be a nice change of pace! So down
below I’ve listed 10 designers in no particular order you should know, and why
they are so important.
1.
Madeleine
Vionnet
a.
She was queen of the bias cut. She was the first designer to utilize this
cut. Paving the way for other designers
to create garment that are cut at a 45 degree angle on the fabric. This cut was so popular because the fabric
would then flow softly around the body, following the wearer’s movements.
2.
Elsa Schiaparelli
a.
This Italian designer created garments by using
Surrealism and transferring that into the fabric. Blurring the lines between fashion and
art. During her time she created things
from a white empire waist dress with Salvador Dali’s lobster on it, to a black
velvet telephone purse! She definitely
paved the way for artists like lady gaga.
3.
Hubert De Givenchy
a.
One of my favorite designers for one sole reason. He was inspired by a muse, and ended up
working with this muse for quite some time, designing garments solely for
her. His muse was Audrey Hepburn. He was the designer of that famous black
dress Holly Golightly wore in Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
4.
Valentino Garavani a.k.a. Valentino
a.
He was the only designer to ever have a color named
after him, “Rosso Valentino”. The reason
why he is one of the only designers to ever have a color named after him is the
“Rosso Valentino” which is a shade of red, is impossible to find on any color
chart!
5.
Tom Ford
a.
While someone of you may know him for his high end
suits for men and amazing smelling cologne.
A lot of you may not know, he was the reason for the successful
re-launch of Gucci in the 90’s. Bringing
the collection back to life and in its rightful place among top brands with his
perfectionism.
6.
Hussein Chalayan
a.
A designer who utilized technology with fashion. A metal paneled dress that would expand with
the touch of a button. A hat the doubles
as a lamp, and a fashion show presentation in where the upholstery was removed
and then worn. A true visionary again,
inspiring designer’s today as well as artists like Cher and Madonna.
7.
Stella MacCartney
a.
She designs her collections without leather, lives on a
strict vegan diet and campaigns for animal rights.
No other designer does high end with a green thumb like she does. Not to mention her design aesthetic which is
a mixture of romanticism and urban functionality.
8.
Emilio Pucci
a.
Dubbed as the “Prince of Prints”, was the creator of
tunic dresses made out of silk jersey.
They were elegant, easy to wear, and extremely light, making it easy to
pack away as well as store. He drew his
inspiration from nature, art, and beauty in far-away lands. He allegedly created over 500 patterns.
9.
Mary Quant
a.
You can thank Mary Quant for the invention of the
miniskirt! Because she considered high
heels to be a form of torture, she decided to create a hemline that got shorter
and shorter; she did this to allow the leg to look elongated, while eliminating
the use of high heels.
10. Yves
Saint Laurent
a.
YSL.
The creator of the dinner jacket for women. After a traumatic period in his life and
losing his position at Dior as head designer because of the draft, he went on
his own. Successful in what he did, his
biggest success was when he created the women’s tuxedo in 1966.
And Las But NEVER least:
Coco Channel: She was the first designer to
make women's dresses out of Jersey knit. She encouraged women to forgo
the corset and tight binging clothing. Her rise to fame after World War I
coincided with the Flapper style. She is most famous for the Little
Black Dress and the Bell Bottom Pant.
Hope you moms enjoyed learning about some of the most
influential designers in history. Now go
out and impress your kids with your new knowledge. Let your daughter know where that miniskirt
originated! And remember, stay fabulous!
Mommy Mastering:
Cleaning Closet
Some
of us, who may or may not write for this blog, have a really big problem with
cleaning out our closet. It took me such
a long time to get used to the fact that if I wanted to A. Have room in my
closet and B. figure out what it was that I really needed to add into my
wardrobe, I needed to clean out my closet.
So down below, I’m going to give you a couple of ideas on how to clean
out your closet, I know some of you are already shaking you heads, so I’m going
to give some great motivation as to why you should.
1. 1. Backwards hanger technique.
a.
Start out by taking all your clothes and turning all
the hangers around so they are backwards, that’s right, hangers facing the
WRONG way.
b.
Now, as you progress through your month, as this should
take 30 days, every time you wear something you can turn it the right way in
the closet. By the end of the thirty
days, whatever is still turned the WRONG way you need to get rid off!
c.
I usually apply this rule only to basic day to day
clothes and work clothes. Special event
clothes and formal wear should not be included.
I don’t know anyone who goes to a wedding every week as a guest.
2. 2. Worn
out technique.
a.
This one is simple, if you pick up a garment and it has
permanent sweat stains, holes that aren’t mendable or are just too past dated,
it is time to let them go. Yes they may
have been your favorite jeans, but if you can’t fix those holes in the crotch
there are no way you can wear them anymore.
Now this is a technique that is a quick fix to your
wardrobe cleaning needs, this is for seasonal clothing, DO NOT try and be
sneaky and think that this method will always work. I guarantee that if you try to use this as a
permanent solution clothes will just build up until you have a bigger mess on
your hands than you did before.
3.
The storage technique should be used for your seasonal
clothing, as mentioned above. Where you
live, and the climate that you live in should determine how you approach this
technique. During the summer your
fall/winter clothes can go into storage.
You don’t need a giant ankle length pea coat in June if you live in
California, that means during the winter in Minnesota you can probably pack away
your summer flip-flops and tank tops.
NOTE:
Before you start my Cleaning Closet techniques please remember to do
these according to seasonal clothing. If you still have summer clothes
in your
closet mid- October, separate them and put them in a storage bin or
space
bag. I don’t want you to get rid of
anything prematurely or without warrant.
GREAT MOTIVATION FOR CLEANING
CLOSET
1.
More room in your closet!
2.
Charity- There are a lot of great charities that you
can donate your old WEARABLE clothes to.
There are a lot of women in need, Working Wardrobes, helps Men, Woman
and Young Adults in crisis reenter the work force by providing them with
clothes that they can wear to interviews/first days of work.
3.
Get $$$- If you live in areas with a Buffalo Exchange
or a consignment store you can take your old clothes there and they will sort
through them and give you money for them.
It’s a great way to make a couple of bucks!
4.
Helps you discern what you need from what you want.
5.
A sense of accomplishment, because being a great mom
just isn’t enough!
Well mommies, there are my tips
for cleaning out your closet, and some great motivational reasons as to why you
should! Remember, a successful person
doesn’t find time, they make time. So throw on your cute, comfy, closet cleaning
clothes and good luck! And remember,
stay fabulous!
Brandon Sapin
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***************************************************** Fashion vs. Style
Yves Saint Laurent once said, “Fashions fade, but style is eternal.”
So what does this really mean? Isn’t fashion and style the same thing? NO!
When YSL said, “Fashions fade”, she is talking about trends of the
season, what the hottest “look” is. But
style, style is not something that can be dictated by the design houses, the
advertisers or celebrities, style is unique to YOU. Well, many of my posts have been about
fashion trends, ways to dress, what to wear for your body type, what styles fit
you best. But, what I have begun to
realize is that I never really offered you any guidance as to HOW to wear
it. That’s the thing, my job here is to
offer up all the information I know on fits and trends, what’s hot? What’s
not? Now, I will offer up my assistance
in helping YOU figure out what your personal style. This isn’t something I can just tell you, but
only give you the steps and methods to help determine your own personal style. Here are some ideas to discern your personal
style?
1.
Visual inspiration. When you are dressing for the day,
what do you want to say with your color choice?
Colors say certain things, red can be a color of power, it’s very
aggressive. Blue causes the body to
remain calm and peaceful; it’s also the color of loyalty.
2.
Past inspiration. Do you want to focus on a certain
era? Do you like 50’s detailing’s like
cat-eye glasses? Are you a fan of 60’s
fringe? Or 70’s bell bottoms? Use
inspiration from the past to construct your image now!
3.
Celebrity inspiration.
Now, when I say this, I don’t want you to pick a celebrity that you want
to be EXACTLY like because then that wouldn’t be your style, it’s not even
theirs, they have stylist, like me, to dress them.
But what I want you to look at is certain things about them that you
think, “Hey, that might look great with my style.” Or maybe you identify with a certain
celebrity because of their story.
Whether it’s a pixie cut hairstyle or you love the way an actress always
wears rings with animals on them. Use
them to inspire you, not to dictate how you dress! This also doesn’t have to be an actress; this
could also be a singer, dancer, public figure or even a historical figure like,
Audrey Hepburn, Jackie O., or Marilyn Munroe.
4.
Last but not least sometimes you just feel like
it! There are tons of times when I am
out shopping and see something I like and just simply want to wear it! I don’t need a reason. But I know my personal style, and as should
you!
So I want you to go out there and have fun. Just take a look around and see what jumps
out at you. Remember a lot of these
trends will come and go, the magazines will tell you when things are in and
out. But your style will never fade,
because it’s yours and yours alone! So
stay fabulous moms!
P.s. I’ve attached a fun color guide for you!
Color Meaning
Red
Red is the color of fire and blood, so it is associated with
energy, war, danger, strength, power, determination as well as passion, desire,
and love.
Red is a very emotionally intense color. It enhances human
metabolism, increases respiration rate, and raises blood pressure. It has very
high visibility, which is why stop signs, stoplights, and fire equipment are
usually painted red. In heraldry, red is used to indicate courage. It is a
color found in many national flags.
Red brings text and images to the foreground. Use it as an
accent color to stimulate people to make quick decisions; it is a perfect color
for 'Buy Now' or 'Click Here' buttons on Internet banners and websites. In
advertising, red is often used to evoke erotic feelings (red lips, red nails,
red-light districts, 'Lady in Red', etc). Red is widely used to indicate danger
(high voltage signs, traffic lights). This color is also commonly associated
with energy, so you can use it when promoting energy drinks, games, cars, items
related to sports and high physical activity.
Light red represents joy, sexuality, passion, sensitivity,
and love.
Pink signifies romance, love, and friendship. It denotes
feminine qualities and passiveness.
Dark red is associated with vigor, willpower, rage, anger,
leadership, courage, longing, malice, and wrath.
Brown suggests stability and denotes masculine qualities.
Reddish-brown is associated with harvest and fall.
Orange
Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of
yellow. It is associated with joy, sunshine, and the tropics. Orange represents
enthusiasm, fascination, happiness, creativity, determination, attraction,
success, encouragement, and stimulation.
To the human eye, orange is a very hot color, so it gives
the sensation of heat. Nevertheless, orange is not as aggressive as red. Orange
increases oxygen supply to the brain, produces an invigorating effect, and
stimulates mental activity. It is highly accepted among young people. As a
citrus color, orange is associated with healthy food and stimulates appetite.
Orange is the color of fall and harvest. In heraldry, orange is symbolic of
strength and endurance.
Orange has very high visibility, so you can use it to catch
attention and highlight the most important elements of your design. Orange is
very effective for promoting food products and toys.
Dark orange can mean deceit and distrust.
Red-orange corresponds to desire, sexual passion, pleasure,
domination, aggression, and thirst for action.
Gold evokes the feeling of prestige. The meaning of gold is
illumination, wisdom, and wealth. Gold often symbolizes high quality.
Yellow
Yellow is the color of sunshine. It's associated with joy,
happiness, intellect, and energy.
Yellow produces a warming effect, arouses cheerfulness,
stimulates mental activity, and generates muscle energy. Yellow is often
associated with food. Bright, pure yellow is an attention getter, which is the
reason taxicabs are painted this color. When overused, yellow may have a
disturbing effect; it is known that babies cry more in yellow rooms. Yellow is
seen before other colors when placed against black; this combination is often
used to issue a warning. In heraldry, yellow indicates honor and loyalty. Later
the meaning of yellow was connected with cowardice.
Use yellow to evoke pleasant, cheerful feelings. You can
choose yellow to promote children's products and items related to leisure.
Yellow is very effective for attracting attention, so use it to highlight the
most important elements of your design. Men usually perceive yellow as a very
lighthearted, 'childish' color, so it is not recommended to use yellow when
selling prestigious, expensive products to men – nobody will buy a yellow
business suit or a yellow Mercedes. Yellow is an unstable and spontaneous
color, so avoid using yellow if you want to suggest stability and safety. Light
yellow tends to disappear into white, so it usually needs a dark color to
highlight it. Shades of yellow are visually unappealing because they lose
cheerfulness and become dingy.
Dull (dingy) yellow represents caution, decay, sickness, and
jealousy.
Light yellow is associated with intellect, freshness, and
joy.
Green
Green is the color of nature. It symbolizes growth, harmony,
freshness, and fertility. Green has strong emotional correspondence with
safety. Dark green is also commonly associated with money.
Green has great healing power. It is the most restful color
for the human eye; it can improve vision. Green suggests stability and
endurance. Sometimes green denotes lack of experience; for example, a
'greenhorn' is a novice. In heraldry, green indicates growth and hope. Green,
as opposed to red, means safety; it is the color of free passage in road
traffic.
Use green to indicate safety when advertising drugs and
medical products. Green is directly related to nature, so you can use it to
promote 'green' products. Dull, darker green is commonly associated with money,
the financial world, banking, and Wall Street.
Dark green is associated with ambition, greed, and jealousy.
Yellow-green can indicate sickness, cowardice, discord, and
jealousy.
Aqua is associated with emotional healing and protection.
Olive green is the traditional color of peace.
Blue
Blue is the color of the sky and sea. It is often associated
with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence,
intelligence, faith, truth, and heaven.
Blue is considered beneficial to the mind and body. It slows
human metabolism and produces a calming effect. Blue is strongly associated
with tranquility and calmness. In heraldry, blue is used to symbolize piety and
sincerity.
You can use blue to promote products and services related to
cleanliness (water purification filters, cleaning liquids, vodka), air and sky
(airlines, airports, air conditioners), water and sea (sea voyages, mineral
water). As opposed to emotionally warm colors like red, orange, and yellow;
blue is linked to consciousness and intellect. Use blue to suggest precision
when promoting high-tech products.
Blue is a masculine color; according to studies, it is
highly accepted among males. Dark blue is associated with depth, expertise, and
stability; it is a preferred color for corporate America.
Avoid using blue when promoting food and cooking, because
blue suppresses appetite. When used together with warm colors like yellow or
red, blue can create high-impact, vibrant designs; for example, blue-yellow-red
is a perfect color scheme for a superhero.
Light blue is associated with health, healing, tranquility,
understanding, and softness.
Dark blue represents knowledge, power, integrity, and
seriousness.
Purple
Purple combines the stability of blue and the energy of red.
Purple is associated with royalty. It symbolizes power, nobility, luxury, and
ambition. It conveys wealth and extravagance. Purple is associated with wisdom,
dignity, independence, creativity, mystery, and magic.
According to surveys, almost 75 percent of pre-adolescent
children prefer purple to all other colors. Purple is a very rare color in
nature; some people consider it to be artificial.
Light purple is a good choice for a feminine design. You can
use bright purple when promoting children's products.
Light purple evokes romantic and nostalgic feelings.
Dark purple evokes gloom and sad feelings. It can cause
frustration.
White
White is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity,
and virginity. It is considered to be the color of perfection.
White means safety, purity, and cleanliness. As opposed to
black, white usually has a positive connotation. White can represent a
successful beginning. In heraldry, white depicts faith and purity.
In advertising, white is associated with coolness and
cleanliness because it's the color of snow. You can use white to suggest
simplicity in high-tech products. White is an appropriate color for charitable
organizations; angels are usually imagined wearing white clothes. White is
associated with hospitals, doctors, and sterility, so you can use white to
suggest safety when promoting medical products. White is often associated with
low weight, low-fat food, and dairy products.
Black
Black is associated with power, elegance, formality, death,
evil, and mystery.
Black is a mysterious color associated with fear and the
unknown (black holes). It usually has a negative connotation (blacklist, black
humor, 'black death'). Black denotes strength and authority; it is considered
to be a very formal, elegant, and prestigious color (black tie, black
Mercedes). In heraldry, black is the symbol of grief.
Black gives the feeling of perspective and depth, but a
black background diminishes readability. A black suit or dress can make you
look thinner. When designing for a gallery of art or photography, you can use a
black or gray background to make the other colors stand out. Black contrasts
well with bright colors. Combined with red or orange – other very powerful
colors – black gives a very aggressive color scheme.
Provided by www.color-wheel-pro.com
Brandon Sapin
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Mommy Mastering:
Sun glass Shape
The one accessory that I can’t live without is my
sunglasses. I can’t have enough of
them! I have some that I got for 5 bucks
at a flea market and some that cost me a little more then I probably should have spent. But for your
mommy style, whether you’re driving your kids to school, soccer practice, or
having a lunch date with the girls, sunglasses are a necessity to staying
stylish. Below I will address the
different face shapes and the appropriate style of glasses that will be the
perfect fit.
General tips:
-Keep proportion in mind, not just facial but your body as
well, if you’re 5’ 2” don’t buy the largest pair of shades you see at your
favorite store.
-Never cover up strong cheek bones if you have them!
-If your frames angle downwards this WILL age you, upward
frames lift the face.
-Generally, the shape of the frame should be in opposition
to your face shape.
-If these are reading glasses, you should update them every
two years
-Most importantly, sunglasses should ALWAYS be UV A/B
protected! This protects your eyes from
harmful UV rays.
If you have…
An oval face:
-Almost any shape looks good on an oval face; they are just
the lucky ones.
-Frames should be as wide as or just slightly wider than the
broadest part of the face.
-Don’t go overboard; stay proportionate to your features.
An oblong face:
-An oval shape or other shapes with a strong horizontal line
will help shorten the face and soften the angles.
-Decorative details can add width to the face.
-A low bridge and low temple will again shorten the face and
can be extremely flattering.
A round face:
-Wide ovals, cat eyes and angular shapes diminish fullness
to a round face.
-Higher temples will compliment this shape well.
-Frames should be wider then they are tall, the taller they
are, the more full your face will look.
An inverted triangle:
-Frames with emphasis up top will compliment this face well;
this includes aviators and half-frames
-Glasses should have an angle that goes inward at the bottom.
A heart shape:
-Oval shapes, slightly rounded or a butterfly shape looks
great.
-The wideness of these shapes will soften the features and
compliment the face shape.
A square shape:
-Curved shapes that are more horizontal and less vertical
will soften angles on this face shape.
-With this face shape avoid flat bottomed frames, this will
square out your face shape and make your angles look more prominent.
Some terms you should know about sunglasses!
Polarized: These
lenses reduce glare by absorbing reflections from horizontal surfaces, such as
highways or pools of water. This is
highly recommended for mommies who do a lot of driving, or are outside for
prolonged periods of time.
Photochromic: These
lenses are light sensitive: They get
darker as they are exposed to UV light, this allows you to wear them both
indoors and outside! They usually will not darken in the car so you will still need sunglasses for driving.
Polycarbonate: Made
from a light weight plastic, these lenses offer amazing impact-resistance, so
they are great for mommies who wear their glasses while playing sports, or in
the sand box! If they baby gets a hold
of them, no worries, they WILL last!
Gradient tinted lenses:
They are treated so that the lens is dark at the top and gradually
lightens as they get to the bottom.
These are useful when you want to cut out that overhead glare.
Colored Lenses:
You may think that coloration on a lens doesn’t make a
difference but it does!
Green-gray: This is
the most popular color for lenses, because it filters light evenly and distorts
color the least. These lenses are great
for bright, sunny days.
Brown to yellow:
These lenses distort color somewhat, but allow for a higher contrast by
filtering out blue light. They are
helpful for driving on overcast days, hazy days and at dusk.
Purple, pink or blue:
Lenses this color should be saved primarily to make a statement, only
because they distort color perception.
The Road to Recovery
It is very apparent that in my
industry, and in the fashion world in general that a certain item, whether it
be your favorite sun glasses or the perfect pair of jeans, just make us feel
extremely good about ourselves. But
sometimes an event comes along in life that really throws us a curve ball,
knocking us off kilter and making us start all over again when it comes to not
only fashion, but life in general.
A couple of years back, my mother
was diagnosed with multiple types of cancer, she was first hit with kidney
cancer, twice, and then a couple of years later had a fight with ovarian
cancer. She was in and out of the
hospital constantly. As her weight fluctuated she joked that she was in a perpetual state of muumuus. Another less severe form of this is what many mothers go through, which is the “baby weight”. And the I get vomited on all day I don't need to "dress up" feeling when your children are small. Thinking about these things, prompted me to
write about how to help those who have to take a break from fashion. So the question is, when our body is going
through so many physical changes, what are the little things we can do to make
ourselves feel better?
Since, the majority of my knowledge
remains in the fashion industry, I’ll let you in on some helpful tips to get
you back on track to looking fabulous on the road to recovery. After all it is the little things in life,
isn’t it?
Statement items are the best way to
make yourself feel and look great, when maybe all you can wear is a pair of
sweat pants and a sweat shirt. Or if you
are just out of the hospital and the only thing that feels comfortable is a muumuu. By re-building your wardrobe with these
statement pieces you can integrate them back into your wardrobe when you’re
ready to.
The Purse
The purse
is a great way to bring a little fashion back into your life. Not only does it have a functional purpose,
but serves as a decorative piece that is size-less. Whether you are a size zero or a size sixteen, a
purse will always fit. My mother opted
for a purse that normally had multiple compartments, she had a lot of medication
to carry around with her, and she is an extremely active woman who hates to
stay in, even when she was recovering.
Find the perfect purse that screams, “YOU!” And this can be your go to item to use as a
pick me up. You can spend a little more on a purse as you wear it every day and a good one will last for years.
Sunglasses
Your
favorite pair of sunglasses does not have to be some extremely expensive pair
that cost you an arm and a leg. One of
my favorite pair that I own only cost me 7 dollars! Find a pair you like and that make you feel FABULOUS! The great thing about sunglasses is that they
match with EVERYTHING. They always fit,
and again, have a great functional use, just make sure they are UV A/B
protected. Gott protect those peepers
The Watch
Another
fashion favorite of mine is the watch. Of all the one size fits all items,
these usually cost the most.
There were days where mom would just be wearing a pair of sweats, or a
muumuu to go out to lunch. But I
remember a day in particular when we were eating at a restaurant, and the
waitress complimented my mother’s watch. This put a smile on her
face. A smile is your best accessory. But
remember to look for a watch that you love, and that is good quality. Or one that just makes you smile when you wear it. A good watch should last you well over 5
years.
Jewelry
Last but
not least, one of my favorite statement pieces is jewelry. But
I’m not just talking about new jewelry. Sometimes the oldest ring,
passed down from a special aunt or grandmother, or that necklace that
your mother
used to wear, can make great statement piece. Ring sizes hardly change, and necklaces
always fit. Don’t be afraid, to throw on
your favorite pair of earrings when going to dinner. Or
that beautiful bracelet you like to wear
out to lunch. Even if you ae still in your sweats or mumuu's. You don't
have to change everything all at once. Add a little something to make
you feel pretty or special and you will start to want to dress up more.
So go get your Fabulous on...Brandon Sapin
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10 Mommy Classic Closet Musts!
“All a woman needs to be chic is a rain coat, two suits, a
pair of trousers and a cashmere sweater” –Hubert Givenchy.
Well that
might have worked for his famous client Audrey Hepburn, but in today’s real
world we need a little bit more than that.
Now listed below are 10 items I think every mommy should have. Every stylists, magazine, designer will have
their own version. What I did is try to
factor in the day to day life of a majority of the moms
out there. BUT, if you have a specific lifestyle and maybe need to alter it
feel free to leave a comment or email us, and we will try to come up with some
options!
1.
Fitted Cotton Button
Up.
a.
This will allow you to dress up or down, this is
something you can quickly throw on for lunch dates. In terms of what color it should be I would
stick to achromatic (literally means without color: greys, blacks, whites) or
neutral colors.
2.
Straight Cut, Knee Length Coat
a.
This can be a trench or a pea coat. Use the Figure Flattery guide to determine
what kind of coat would best suit your body type. In terms of color stick to achromatic colors,
tan or crème are acceptable. But I would
strongly recommend either a black or tan coat.
They just match with everyone and get less dirty then crème or white.
3.
Pair of Flat Front, Straight Leg Pants.
a.
No pleats, I don’t believe that pleats on pants look
flattering on anyone. Again stick to
black or tan; it’s just easier to match.
This pant will be usable with your fitted cotton shirt for a lunch date
look, or with the items to come for a night look or professional look.
4.
Pair of Neutral Pumps
a.
Pick the heel height that you are comfortable with, but
everyone woman should own a pair of pumps.
I strongly recommend a black pump, this can be used for special events,
dinners, graduations, family get-togethers and can dress up ANY look.
5.
Pencil Skirt
a.
This multi-purpose skirt is a must have. Remember to keep style and length in mind
in regards to your body type and figure.
Again a neutral color would be best. This will be a great option to have in your
closet. Paired with your cotton button
up can be anything from a professional look or a night out.
6.
The LBD (Little Black Dress)
a.
I can’t stress the important of having a little black
dress on hand. Everyone woman, mommy or
not should own one! It’s that one dress
that always looks good on. Can be worn
to a nice dinner, a family gathering, a graduation, a birthday celebration. It can be worn with your trench on a cold
night and your pumps will always match it! And it is SUPER easy to accessorize.
7.
Favorite Basic Blouse
a.
This blouse is allowed to be in color, just make sure
that it’s a color that looks amazing on you!
I would stick to solids and stay away from any bold patterns. It needs
to be timeless. You can pair this with your slacks or your
skirt and will create a simple going out look.
And don’t forget that the pumps you now own will match any combination
you decide to wear it with. Is it a cold
night? Throw on your coat!
8.
A GREAT Pair of Denim
a.
We all have that one pair of denim that we always want
to wear. In fact, I’m wearing mine right now! I suggest a dark pair of denim,
they are just easier to match, no detailing, no added washes or rips. You can pair this with your cotton button up
to hang out with the kids in. Throw on
your blouse and pumps for a quick dressy look for dinner. Refer to your Figure Flattery Guide for what
type of denim will suit you.
9.
Mom-On-The-Go Footwear
a.
This can be a really cute comfortable pair of jeweled
sandals or flats. Stick to neutral
tones, paired with denim and your button up or blouse and you’ll have a cute
look to go out in for any occasion. If
you decide to go with a flat, if it’s dressy enough it can be worn with your
skirt or pants if you’re not the heel wearing kind of mommy!
10. This
is your Mommy Wilde Card
a.
I have two recommendations for your last item. My first is your go-to bag. That one bag that you carry around
everywhere. This is normally the bag you
carry around with you all day. Remember
think quality not brand. It should go
with any outfit, and always be functional and work for your mommy
lifestyle. My second is kind of a fun
option, Sunglasses! This can jazz up any
outfit, make sure they are UV A/B protected, they DO NOT be have to be a $500
dollar pair of sunglasses. And I know
sometimes having expensive glasses get easily broken when you have young
ones. They are on your head on minute,
the next in baby Aiden’s mouth.
So, how are you going to wear these
options!? Well see below!
Top ten break downs.
1+8+9+10= A casual look for hanging out
with the kids at the park to a nice lunch break with the girls!
2+4+6= A great night look! A nice birthday
dinner with the family, a date night to a nice dinner, or a cocktail event
look.
4+5+7 and 1+3+4= Professional or business
casual look that you can wear. Wear this
to an interview, a nice lunch date during the day, or even as a work look.
7+8+9+10= Dressy casual look, whether
you’re taking the kids to meet up with another of their friends at the mall, or
taking the toddler to a play date at a fellow mommy’s house, this look is
extremely versatile!
Have
fun and play around with your options, I
guarantee you this 10 items can get you through any day to day even that
you
have going on, and remember these items are classics! They should never
go out of style. Use this as a foundation to build up on your
wardrobe, but they will always be there ready for use, eliminating the
hassle
of shopping for every single occasion.
Use accessories to make these items look different every single
time! Enjoy!
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Mommy Mastering Successful Shopping
Alright Mommy! Now I know you have grocery shopping down to an art form. BUT now you are going to learn how to shop like a seasoned pro. Or what I like to call the Stylist Shopping System a tip I learned from In Style!!! Below are three, yes just three VERY important steps to shopping like a professional. But within these three steps there are multiple things you must execute!
Step 1: STRATEGIZE
A.
Take stock of what you already have and what you need.
·
Now this sounds easy enough, but remember it’s
what you NEED. What you want will come
after but you need to make sure you have key items in your closet to establish
a full wardrobe. This should be things
that your always like “Darn, I really need a ____ to complete this outfit”. Is it black slacks? A denim jacket? A black skirt?
B.
Budget
C.
The best time to shop is when you are feeling amazing!
·
Please do not step into a store not feeling your
best, if you do I guarantee “nothing will fit” or “I hate my body.” Go in on a day where you are in your right
mind to shop.
D.
Dress appropriately.
·
Remember you’ll be taking off, putting on,
zipping up, buttoning down, lacing across.
You want to be comfortable. Stick
to lightweight items!
E.
Give yourself time!
·
You’re not going to go grocery shopping if you
only have an hour before you have to pick up the kids. This will allow you to savor the experience
and you won’t have to worry about compulsively buying something and having
buyers’ remorse after the fact.
Step 2: CONCENTRATE
A.
Shop alone
·
This will allow you to solely concentrate on you
and your needs. Now I love to have
shopping days with my friends, just make sure you don’t let them influence your
decisions for your personal fashion choices.
B.
What works for you?
·
Only you know what colors and silhouettes look
good on you, if it’s not broke don’t fix it!
C.
Three way mirror.
·
If you have the ability, HOG THAT THREE WAY
MIRROR! It’s the only way to see every single
angle. Twisting and turning your body in
a single mirror is no way to determine a good fit for you.
D.
Get for what you got, not the want!
·
Meaning, buy for the body you have now. I get it if you are planning on losing
weight, and if you are worried you’ll have to spend a little more money later
on new clothes for your new body then set aside some money over time for when
that happens. Buy clothes too tight and
saying, “I’ll lose weight” will only make you look heavier if you decide to
reluctantly wear it because you never lost the weight.
E.
Keep it real.
·
Meaning, buy for your lifestyle. Buying another cocktail dress may not be
necessary if you are a stay at home mother with a 6 month old and a 2 year
old. Running in sequins can be
tough! Likewise those heels that you’ve
been eyeing may be real cute, but unless you’re an expert and running after
your toddler in an extra 6 inches don’t get them.
F.
Don’t settle!
·
If you are out and about, and it’s your 4th
hour of shopping and you still haven’t made a purchase, DO NOT buy a top that
fits you so-so just because you want to make sure you leave with
something. You’ll just end up having to
make time to return it later.
G.
Knowledge is power.
·
Don’t hesitate to ask the most fashionable
associate in the store for advice. Let
her know what you’re looking for, she knows the sales floor better then
you. Ask her what this seasons latest
trends are, just remember to not let her convince you in to something that
isn’t you!
Step 3: BUILD
A.
Buy in multiples.
·
Now within reason, if you find a pair of denim
that has an amazing fit, or a blouse that just looks right in every single
angle don’t be afraid to make a purchase in multiple colors and prints. Just remember to budget and not go for
broke. I own a pair of denim in every
color from my favorite store. Why?
Because it is a piece that I wear over and over and over again!
·
Now, I’m all for purchasing things at a good
price, and the sale rack has a certain power over us. But remember, a good deal is only good if you
will wear it!
C.
Keep it Classic.
·
The first couple of purchases you make should
always be classic items that you will use to BUILD your wardrobe. EVERYTHING you buy should always build your
wardrobe as a trendy mommy in an advantageous way! Whether is the classic season-less nude
trench, or a pair of comfortable denim to chase the munchkins around in.
And there you have it.
My personal Stylist Shopping System for you to use. This will allow you to shop effectively and
efficiently without dipping into your diaper budget! And you will look FABULOUS doing it!
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Mommy Mastering Figure Flattery
Does this
look good on me?! It’s the first thing
that we normally ask any person at any given time when we are trying clothes
on! The answer to this question has the
power to make us drop double our budget on a clothing item, be it dress, shoes,
a purse or a necklace! So how can we
make shopping easier on ourselves without having to bring along a second
opinion. Below I’m going to list some ideas
to combat some common figure types. Now
these rules are by no means set in stone!
Every mommy’s body is unique so don’t be afraid to experiment and adapt
to what you think works for you!
-Anything kind of garment that add a vertical line above the
waist or releases fabric and adds movement at bottom.
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Mothers Day Madness
Are you…….?
Curvy?
With this
type of body you want to showcase your waist and elongate your figure to be
able to show off your curves without over emphasizing it!
What to buy?
-Garments that lay gently over your curves, not hung on them
like a second skin.
-Dresses that are cinched at the waist and narrow at the
knee are great pieces to have
-Blouses that show skin at shoulder, neckline, collarbone or
cleavage are good. Age appropriately of
course!
-Slits are a great way to cut into your figure and allow you
to show some skin!
-Vertical detailing and clean lines are KEY! This will slim any body type!
-Wraps are also a great thing to have blouses or dresses.
-Jackets that button DIRECTLY under the bust have a great
effect on your body.
What to stay away from?
-Anything too tight!
-Loose fitting jackets are sweaters at the waist line. This well take away all your beautiful shape!
-Anything bulky or oversized especially at the fullest part
of your hips or waist.
Short?
With this
body type you want to create the illusion you are taller and create a strong
vertical line from head to toe!
What to buy?
-Monochromatic Outfits (outfits that stick within the same
color hue i.e. A dark violet cropped cardigan and a lavender shift dress.) This
creates a very strong presence!
-Fluid fabrics, movement increases drama creating again a
stronger presence, just be mindful of proportions!
-Princess seams, and center seams don the back or front with
high closures will add a strong vertical line to your body.
-Medium to high heels, try to avoid shoes that wrap around
the ankle or are extremely strappy. This
will cut into the vertical line of your body and make you look a lot shorter
then what you really are.
What to stay away from?
-Horizontal prints!
Just say no!
-Pleat trousers, this adds bulkiness which adds width and
not length.
-Cropped pants, you probably already know this but they
won’t hit you at the right angle.
-Mid-calf length skirts
-Any “sweet” details (eccentric bows, extremely ruffled
blouses).
-Anything baggy.
Broad Shoulders?
We want to
soften your shoulders and create balance.
What to you buy?
-Raglan sleeves. (Dolman sleeves)
-Dark tops
-Deep V-necks, this will cut in to your upper body and also
take bulk out of your shoulder by cutting into your chest.
-If it doesn’t add to much bulk to your hip, try a
horizontal pattern in your skirts or bottoms to balance out your figure.
Stay away from?
-Shoulder detailing (epaulettes, bows, hardware, puffy
sleeves).
-Shoulder pads. Enough said!
-Bateau Collars (Boatneck collars).
-Horizontal lines at shoulders, this includes seams and
yokes.
Full Bust?
The goal is
to show off your curves without over-emphasizing them as well as making your
neck and torso look longer.
What to buy?
-Dark toned tops with lighter bottoms to add balance.
-Tops with very light detailing, if there’s too much going
on this will only make your bust look bigger!
-Open necked sweaters, blouses and dresses.
Stay away from?
-Anything double-breasted!
-Wide/contour beltes.
-Anything adding bulk around the neck, this will also add
bulk around the chest and make you took top heavy!
-Baggy tops!
Heavy Arms?
The goal of this is thinning out and extending your arms.
What to buy?
-Tops or blouses with sleeves that taper to the wrist.
-Raglan, dolmon and kimono sleeves will always slim out the
arm.
-Any tops with vertical prints or seems that follow the arm.
Stay away from?
-Tight tops and sleeves
-Any kind of stiff fabric.
-Some stylist will say stay away from sleeveless, I’m an
advocate of positive body image. If you
want to show those arms then do it mama!
Tummy?
Our goal is
to draw attention from your mid-section to your legs or face and creating a
vertical line on the body.
What to buy?
-Long tops like cardigans, jackets, tunics and shirts that
you don’t tuck in. Remember we don’t
want to create unnecessary lines.
-Fabrics that drape but don’t cling.
-The Empire-waist will do absolute wonders for you!
-Narrow pants and skinny jeans (if you have slim hips
otherwise it will accentuate your hips)
-Monochromatic outfits
-Tops or blouses nipped at the waist
Stay away from?
-Belted dresses or tops.
(This adds unnecessary bulk.)
-Tops with waistbands or that cinch at the waist.
-Pants or skirts with any waist detailing.
-Anything cut on the bias.
Bottom Heavy?
Our goal is
to show your curves without over-emphasizing them, creating balance between
your hips and your shoulders as well as elongating your figure.
What to buy?
-Close fitting tops that flow over your hips and derriere.
-Dark colored bottoms.
-Lower pockets on denim also take away from a prominent
bottom.
-If you are pear shaped, tops with horizontal stripes or
shoulder detailing will help.
-Monochromatic outfits, with the darker tones at bottom will
help.
-Tailored jackets and tops with nipped waistlines that stop
at the hipbone or just cover the hips.
Stay away from?
-Bottoms with horizontal lines
-Bottoms or dresses made from anything clingy.
-Bottoms with a lot of pleases, gathers, or big prints.
-Tops that stop at the waist or mid hips.
-Anything that hits at the widest part of your hips.
-Anything that cinches at the waist.
And there you have it mommy dearest! Just a couple of helpful hints to help you
address the way you dress in your everyday life! But please remember the best way to solve a
figure “problem” is to have confidence.
Don’t forget that everybody is different and might have a combination of
these things. Find what works for you
and you will be set for life!
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Mothers Day Madness
As we all know, one of the most important holidays is right around the corner! (Pause as all the mothers freak out about which important holiday they forget) MOTHER’S DAY of course! So many mothers neglect that holiday because they are so concerned about worrying about everyone else, they forget to think about THEIR day, a day where they can be appreciated, pampered and spoiled!
I remember growing up Mother’s day would always sneak up on my mom. She was never prepared for it, never had anything to wear, most of the time because she would completely forget about it. Well, I’m going to serve not only as a reminder to you, but a guide as well! Provided below are simple, easy, and excellent wardrobe tips for you to look amazing. I’ve divided up the wardrobe suggestions trying to keep in mind the different age groups or the age of your kids, as well as the types of events that might occur on this amazing day!
1. LUNCH DATE! So whether you have a little toddler and your husband is taking you out. Or your adult children decide to surprise you for a Mother’s Day lunch the guidelines are relatively simple. Because it’s a daytime look, I suggest setting aside your favorite blouse or top. This could maybe be a top you’ve saved for “special occasions” that never seem to come up, or maybe a color that you enjoy to wear that you know is flattering on you. Once you’ve picked the top of your choice, depending on climate and personal preference you can pair these with denim capri’s, shorts or cute skirt. But don’t rule out the power of khaki as well, for a dressier look. If you’ve picked a darker color i.e. plum, lapis, forest green, you will want to add a contrast, so think about paring it with a casual pair of khakis, or a lighter denim wash. Vice versa, if you pick a lighter color i.e. pink, yellow, baby blue try pairing it with darker denim this will really allow the colors to POP! As far as footwear goes, if you want to wear flats, try throwing on a jeweled sandal, basic colors work (silver, gold, black and white). Wedges are also a huge trend this season, so if you’re the heel wearing type, trying throwing on a neutral wedge to put the outfit together for a super cute spring/summer look! Accessories are simple, earrings and bangles! If you choose to wear rings make sure it stays within a day time look. No need for a cocktail ring at lunch, the only ring with diamond on it should be your engagement ring!
2. DINNER DATE! If you are taken out to a dinner date, the wardrobe will have to change a bit from your day look. Whether it’s to your favorite family restaurant or to a 5 star steak house, it’s YOUR day so I would definitely stay on the dressier side, but I’ll break it down according to restaurants!
a. Favorite “Family” Restaurants. These restaurants usually consist of family favorites, mom and pop Italian restaurants, our favorite Dim Sum restaurant. Just because this isn’t a 5 star steak house doesn’t mean you can’t feel like a queen on your day! If you’re the dress wearing mom trying wearing a shift dress, or you’re classic LBD (Little Black Dress). Throw a cute cardigan or suite jacket over it and you’ve already dressed it down. When accessorizing use studs or very simple hoops/chandelier earrings. Throw on your favorite ring, and a bracelet or too. If you’re a separate’s kind of mom, feel free to throw on your favorite blouse or again that blouse you saved for “special occasions” and pair it with a high waist pencil skirt. If skirts just aren’t your thing, no worries! Matching it with a pair of your favorite slacks is just as easily acceptable. Pair with flats or heels according to preference!
b. Five Star/Dressy. If you know that you will be treated to a more upscale restaurant, guidelines are for the most part close to option “a”. With this option though, lose the jacket! Now is the place to wear your sexiest yet mommy appropriate dress. Feel free to accessories with more fashion forward or dressy items. Remember, if you wear a beautiful chandelier earring, make sure to keep the necklace VERY simple, and likewise if you wear a very elaborate necklace, keep the earrings simple. These two accessories should frame the face not overwhelm it. In terms of rings and bracelets opposites attract! Meaning, if you wear a cocktail ring on your left hand, make sure to wear your bracelets on your right. We don’t want to look to heavily accessorized on just one side. Heels can be as high as you’d like, and although I know we have many flat wearing mom’s (let’s face it running in heels after a toddler doesn’t sound easy). You might want to opt for just a kitty heel, meaning a heeled shoe that’s three inches or less. Just to keep the look dressier.
I hope that all of my suggestions will make preparing for your special day that much easier for you. Less time fretting means more time to enjoy Mother’s day with your loving family. Thanks mom’s for all of your love and support and I hope that you all have an amazing Mother’s day.
BUT WAIT, I have a Mother’s day present for all of you. If at any point in time any of the mothers out there have any fashion oriented questions for me here in FASHION PHILE, leave a comment or post and I will be happy to at make sure they get answered!
OH BABY! 
I'm a mommy of one dog and 3 cats, but I love your closet and will have to try to imulate that idea with the shoes in mine! Sorry it's taken me a while to get back with you~
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