Skorts vs. Shorts

Who wears short shorts? Not me!  This is a photo of an outfit I own from the Walking Company.

Skorts are great perfect for for any woman who has "outgrown" shorts that reveal too much of what we don't want to reveal.

You can wear skorts to walk, bike, golf, play tennis, kayak, sail,  or just hanging around in something casual and comforable. 

I got an email that they are  50% off price now through Aug 26th, 2012.

The skort comes in a variety of colors and coordinates with  Track Jackets, Hooded Jackets and Tank Tops

• The dry wicking UPF fabric will keep you dry when you perspire, blocks 96% of UV rays, and resists wrinkles
• There is a hidden pocket on the waist of the short that will hold your essentials — even a cell phone.
• There is a loop you can hang a house key or car key on, and also attach the tether of your pedometer.
• There is a built-in short so you can exercise in comfort and with additional protection from exposure.

www.walkingstyles.com

My Long-time Furrier

For many years I have referred my clients with furs to Daniel Wachtenheim in downtown Los Angeles to have their furs stored, cleaned or restyled. Daniel can take an outdated fur and turn it into a vest, a pillows, throw, trim for a coat , sweater, dress, or even into a child's coat. One of my favorite transformations is to shear an underused fur and make it into a reversible rain coat. This is perfect for a trip to cold urban environments where you need one coat to go from day to evening wear. Add a hood and you are ready to venture out even in a storm.

In addition he has a very extensive inventory of furs at wholesale prices. As a skier and someone who goes to Chicago frequently, I purchased the sheared mink and fox coat photographed here at a significantly lower price than I had seen else where. What I did not know is that Daniel has made furs for the motion picture industry, such as the vintage mink trimmed coat Angelina Jolie worn in the "Changeling." Daniel ships furs to retail stores and individuals all over the USA and Canada, so you do not have to live in L.A. to benefit from his great prices.

Wachtenheim Furs Wholesale
527 West 7th Street
Suite 703
Los Angeles, CA 90014

213-622-2263
By Appointment

Everyday Diamonds

Every woman loves to wear diamonds, but too much bling is not appropriate for everyday wear. Heather David, a young mom and designer, has introduced a line of gems that can be worn as your signature pieces any where from running errands to dinner out. They are avoidably priced and perfect gifts to request for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Birthdays and Anniversaries. Yeah, you can even treat yourself for no particular reason!

Take a look at the necklaces and bracelets in 14 karat color with diamonds and colored gems. http://www.petitebling.com/

Personalized Shopping On-line

As more and more women live busy lives, shopping on-line has been a convenient way find the perfect wardrobe additions. For 20 years I have been selling Carlisle through trunk shows in the Pasadena area. Unfortunately not everyone could come in person during the specific dates of the showing, or because they lived too far away, or they were simply too busy at the time of the show. Now any woman in the USA at any time of the day or week can shop with Carlisle and Per Se via the on-line site. I still offer personalized advise as needed via email or phone. If the client is someone I do not know, I have them fill out a profile with information about their life style needs, figure type, coloring, and preferences. They can even send me a head shot and full length photo of themselves to help me visually.

www.carlisleboutique.com/bwxcxn

Air Brush Tan

On a whim I got an air brush tan the afternoon before going to Kauai. Here is what I learned from the process. First, prepare your skin: exfoliate and shave before you come. In addition, do not add any lotions to your skin. Second, come in old clothes (even braless if you can). The stain will rub off when first applied. (It does wash out.) Third, plan on not showering for about 12 hours and then just with water at first. (I watered my plants shortly after the spray tan and got a drip mark on my leg--it did fade). Forth, when you shower the first time, do not be alarmed that lots of brown tan goes down the drain, you'll still have a tan. Fifth, the tan will last about 4 days, so if you are going on vacation you're natural tan should kick in by then if you get out into the sun. Sixth, buy the tan extender to keep the air brush tan skin moist. Last, be aware that rubbing will wear off the tan. I went hiking with sock and boots and guess what--the tan wore off from ankles down.

Was it worth it? YES. I loved wearing all my resort clothes with this great tan. I saved my skin from lots of sun damage. It was not the expensive either. I may occasionally just have my legs done to cover all the blotchy spots I have.

I used Integrity Skin Care Salon at 350 Lake Ave. in Pasadena. www.integrityskin.com

Healthy Skin and Your Diet

I recently attended a talk by Dr. Jessica Wu, M.D., a very stylish and attractive dermatologist, who wrote the book, "Feed Your Face". I was very impressed by the information she imparted that did not involve invasive procedures. She recommended certain low cost over the counter products and changes in your diet in achieve more radiant healthy skin. Naturally I bought her book. It covers all the areas of concern from acne to aging skin, plus hair and nail health. Did you know that the lycopene in tomatoes can help prevent sunburn and UV radiation damage? Dr. Wu writes in such a personal style that you feel like your best girlfriend, who just happens to be a dermatologist, is giving you some woman to woman advise. The book is very organized and formatted with tip boxes, case studies, chapter summaries. I highly recommend it.

www.feedyourface.com

Part I

Skin Basics and top skin enemies

Part II

Chapters on various skin concerns with causes and solutions

Part III

Feed Your Face Diet

Part IV
Make-at-home skin care products

Dermatological procedures

Hanger Tip

Whenever I do a closet audit, I always check out the type of hangers men and women use. I tell clients to toss or recycle the wire hangers from the dry cleaners. Jackets especially will loss their shoulder contours. Heavier woolen jackets should be on cedar hangers and blouses / shirts on sturdy plastic hangers. Most sweaters unless they are very light weight should not be hung as they will stretch or "grow" on a hanger. Occasionally I use the padded fabric hangers for thin delicate sweaters, but the hanger thickness takes up room when space is limited. I am not a fan of layered skirt hangers as it is hard to see exactly what you have in your wardrobe.

My favorite inexpensive trick for tops that slide off hangers is to put few inches of weather stripping on each end. You can buy it at any hardware store. It's called sponge rubber tape. It has an adhesive backing and is easy to cut with a pair of scissors. This wide scoop top (which slips off hangers) is from A'Nue Ligne and comes in multiple colors. I have five in assorted colors as they are the perfect under pinning piece. A'Nue Ligne has other styles also. They are washable and made in the USA.

Spring Fashion Trends

This lightweight jacket called Spotlight is one of my favorites in the Carlisle Spring Collection 2011 for several reasons. First of all, it reflects two important trends: the trench coat and polka dots. This is a purely fashionista trench: it wraps with a sash belt, has a shirred collar for drama, and has 3/4 length sleeves. The large polka dots make a statement, yet the neutral colors of black and taupe keep it subtle. Secondly, Spotlight is reversible: black with taupe dots or taupe with black dots. This makes it so versatile! Wear the black side with a black pencil skirt and heels and it's very dressy. Then wear the taupe side it with black legging or slim ankle pants and ballet slippers and it's very casual chic. It is priced at $595 and is available in sizes 0-18.

Instant slimming

Every New Year we all resolve to watch our diets and exercise more. In the mean time, you may not be able to fit into some of your favorite clothes. This is when shape wear really comes in handy. Above is a garment my clients have loved for immediate results. This TC Intimates shape wear sucks in the tummy, waist and thighs. It stays in place and creates no lines under your outfit. DSC stands for dynamic stretch control which provides comfortable wear. I always keep some in stock for clients. This wonderful product is available in nude and black.

Here are some other tips while working on losing those extra pounds. Does your bra give you the lift you need?. A poorly fitted bra can make you look much heavier than you are. Adjust the straps or if your bra has lost its elasticity toss it. Draw attention to the center (vs. sides) of your waist with an interesting belt buckle. Watch your posture: just raising your rib cage takes off inches. A column of monochromatic color works wonders, but try another color besides black. A great fashion coat that conceals yet makes a statement and is an excellent addition to a January/February wardrobe.

Holiday Evening Gowns

I recently went to a fashion show featuring Lourdes Chavez's Collection. I have admired her for years. I am looking forward to wearing a red gown from a past season to a black tie event this December. The collection was outstanding. The exquisite fabrics, original yet classic designs, and the details. If you need an evening gown they are available at Robert Ellis, 12439 Ventura Blvd. 818 769 9666

Check out www.lourdeschavez.com for more photos. I did not see many of the pieces shown at the show on the site though.

Airplane Attire

I recently traveled on a long distance flight to a foreign country. I always want to look somewhat fashionable, yet be comfortable. I like pants with stretch. My favorite is a pair of pants with large front zip patch pockets. I can travel without a purse, as my passport or other ID, boarding pass, lip gloss, eye mask, sleeping pill....all except my reading material is on my body and easy to access. Once items go into the overhead it can be a problem retrieving if your seat mate is asleep.

Another favorite item on a long flight is a large warm pashima shawl that can serve as a blanket on the flight and extra layer for warmth on the trip. Even if the flight provides blankets they are often very thin. Additionally I usually wear a light weight cardigan, that will also be a basic layer with all I packed. The pashima can cover your legs, arms or wrap as shown around your neck.

If I am only traveling with a small carry-on suitcase, the outer pocket has items that would usually go in a purse. Then my empty flat style purse is packed inside the case. It's a matter of having one less item to carry-on. If I checked a bag, then I might have a zipped tote with reading material, my camera, itinerary, glasses or any other items I do not want to chance being without if my luggage is lost or delayed.

Also I rarely wear tennis shoes on a flight. It is just not very stylish, and there are lots of other comfortable attractive shoes that look classier. I see lots of travelers in athletic shoes and jeans though. Slip on shoes perhaps with rubber soles are also easier when going through security.

What are some of you favorites to wear on the plane?

A great website that invites readers advice by country visiting is http://www.journeywoman.com/

I found the pictured 22 x 80 inch basket weave shawl at http://www.thepashimastore.com/.

Alterations That Add Extra Polish

As an image consultant I can not stress enough how important proper alterations are. Several women of various figure types might all wear basically a size 8. Yet possibly only one will be so lucky as to have an "off the rack" garment fit perfectly. So do not pass up an outfit that otherwise suits you without considering what can be altered for perhaps $20-40.

The length of the pants, skirt or sleeve is usually a simple alteration. A slim pant should end at about the ankle, as seen in the left photo. Classic trousers should be hemmed to just the top on the heel. Wide pants should cover about half the heel. A skirt length that flatters most legs ends where your leg curves in, which for most women is just below the knee cap. Personal preference also enters in. The tall Per Se models above look youthful in the shorter length. Sleeves should just cover your wrist bone, unless they are 3/4 length which should be about the middle of the lower arm.

Most well made garments can be let out in the waist. Conversely the waist band can also be taken in. If you have curves and want to show them off, have your alterations person nip the jacket in on the side and center back seams. Be sure the jacket still falls over hips without bunching up in back.

Women with large busts or broad backs often avoid sizing up because the shoulders and even the upper arms can get too over sized. A good tailor can adjust the shoulders and arms on a larger size, though this is a more expensive alteration.

Do the side pockets on a pant, skirt or dress bulge out making you look extra hippy? Then have them sewn down. Dresses are the hardest to buy without some tweaking. Buy a dress to fit your widest area: your hips or your bust. Then have the rest altered. If you are short waisted and the dress has a set waist, then you can have the waist shorted. If there is enough fabric a long waisted figure type could have the waist lengthened.

Find a good alterations person who can make you look perfectly tailored. It will add that extra polish that shows you pay attention to detail.

Overdoing Black in Your Wardrobe

I recently did I style analysis and wardrobe audit for a woman who works in a conservative financial company. Her wardrobe was predominately black. While this is certainly a great color for the conservative environment that she worked it, it was not actually best color for her individual coloring. With her warm skin and hair color I advised her to add tops and even scarves to wear under her jackets with touches of colors like coral, aqua, warm red, yellow, apple green, camel and beige. Wearing warm toned jewelry such as a gold chain, warm toned pearls, and stones in earth tones would also lessen the effect of black next to face. Note how the blond pictured here in a Carlisle jacquard black suit has a scoop necked top under her jacket allowing her skin to show and a gold toned necklace to accent her hair color.

Personally, I also have a warm Spring's coloring. When I wear black I never have it near my neck. I wear a darker eyeliner and deeper eye shadow. In addition I usually wear a soft red lipstick and deeper shade of blush. Without intensifying my usual makeup I look washed out in black.

So while black is such a basic neutral in many women's wardrobes, it may not be your best neutral. You may want to consider navy blue or chocolate brown as a base for mix n matching.

Fall Fashion Trends

The Carlisle and Per Se Fall Collections are now being shown across the nation through private trunk shows. My show in La Canada, California began July 30 and goes through August 18. Then in October I will show again and add the winter collections. It is always exciting to see what our designers have created for the new season. Again they have again taken the current trends from the runways and created wearable yet remarkable garments.

So here are some of the trends. Plaids have an updated look. The plaid jacket here also shows the continued interest in sleeve details. Another trend is long sweaters that work like jackets and are so comfortable. Leathers are very unique like their black leather jacket with a large fringed collar. Skinny pants and leggings are still going forward, but all widths are fashionable. Pick the width that works for your figure type. Most amazing in the Carlisle Collection are the details and hours of hand work needed to create pieces that are works of art. One suede skirt has punch holes through which leather strips are woven to create a plaid pattern. It takes 10 hours to lace one skirt!

go to my website http://www.wardrobeperfect.com/ to learn more about trunk shows and to link to the Carlisle and Per Se Collections web pages. What you can not appreciate from the photos is the feel of their designer fabrics.

Designer Consignment for Cash

Do you have designer clothes in you closet that perhaps never fit you right, was a gift that was not your style or color, or simply a bad purchasing decision. If they are still in style, clean, and in good condition you can turn them into cash. In Pasadena, Roberta Lyon, owns a consignment store called "Style of Green". She will inspect your garment before accepting it, then determine the resale price. You receive 50% of the sale on garments priced at $100 and above. There is a one time marked down of 25%. New or gently worn couture quality pieces do not get markdown.

"Style on Green" is located at 1136 E. Green St. Call for an appointment to bring garments in 626-796-9924. Roberta will come to a home to collect larger consignments. Last month Roberta sent checks to women for thousands of dollars. This is because "Style on Green" has a great client base that frequents her beautifully merchandized store full of designer clothes and accessories.

Summer Whites

Nothing says summer like white. This turquoise Carlisle sweater just "pops" when paired with white, as do all bright colors. White does require some extra care though.

One of the complaints I often get is keeping summer whites from turning yellow or taking on a dull gray hue. I called Scott Bell, owner of Bryan's Cleaners, and my dry cleaner for decades. The best advice is to remember to clean frequently. Body oils, perspiration, unseen splatters of white wine or other unnoticed foods or sprays absorb into the fabric. The longer they stay in the fabric the harder to remove them.

When you clean your washable clothing note that regular bleach can turn some white fabrics yellow. Look for natural oxygen safe bleach, usually found in health stores. Borax or washing soda will also brighten whites, as will sunlight for cottons especially. Really hard water can turn garments that dull gray color, so use vinegar in the rinse cycle.

Byran's has an excellent website with tips. Go to http://www.bryanscleaner.com/ then the tab newsletter. You'll see several letters about the care of whites by Steve Boorstein. In addition there are style tips on body types by Kate Rice starting with #22.

Finding the Right Swimsuit

I had to face the terrible moment of buying a new swimsuit for the summer. On line I found this great site. www.itfigures.com You click your figure issue and a selection of possible choices come up. My issue is heavy thighs. Pictures here is one of their solutions. Other figure issues could be tummy, long torso, wide hips, small bust, large bust, or mastectomy. You can order on line, find a store that carries this line, or request a catalog.

Makeover for Executive Level Interview

Shirley was selected by McDermott and Bull Executive Search for a makeover by Corporate Icon. As a member of the team I helped Shirley with her wardrobe and accessories. Patsy Cisneros coached Shirley on her body language. Michele Hardy was brought in for hair and makeup. Shirley needed to step up the quality of her attire to reflect the director level position she was interviewing for. I selected a suit with some texture and updated 3/4 sleeves, as opposed to more traditional brasers which just looked simply boring

on her. The necklace was an appropriate size or her small frame and added that extra polish.

Executive Makeover

Through McDermitt and Bull Executive Network I was introduced to Jonathan . He needed an executive "touch up" after a weight change. Jonathan is 6'3" and tayloring was a key component in giving this well constructed dark gray suit made of quality designer fabric, the sense of confidence he needed to project. With a wide neck and long torso, he needed extra long ties. As the selection of long ties was not vast, we looked for three ties first, then three shirts that would send three different messages. Photographed here is his most powerful look for presentations and a new head shot which he needed.

Other shirt-tie combinations took the suit from networking events to more formal social events.

Every suit should have at least five combinations. Often it's a good idea to photograph your combinations in case you can not remember what tie you intended to wear with a particular shirt. Also after acquiring a new shirt or tie "play" with the other combinations you may be able to make with your existing wardrobe. Photograph these also, so that when you are in a hurry you can refer to the photos for possible combinations.

Keeping Up Appearances

I am preparing for a trip to France and recently read a book, "Almost French" by Sarah Turnbull. The author who is from Australia writes about her cultural adjustments during her first years of living in France. In one section she writes about her boyfriend's shock that she was going out in the morning to get croissants in her baggy sweatpants. He thought that the baker would not be very happy to have her in his shop dressed sloppily. In other words her appearance downgraded the quality of his store. Most likely he would want to ignore her and wait on others. It really tickled me. I am one of those people who really likes to dress nice even when running errands. For instance today I have a nice top, skirt and sandals on with a necklace and bracelet. I just feel better when out and about. I do get better service. Plus I never have to be embarrassed if I run into a friend or business associate.

What is your feeling about the way most American dress when running errands and shopping?