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.