Waiting for the End

The owner of this boot didn't just wait for the end!

Linkin Park released their unlikely song Waiting for the End in September last year but we Seattlelites are currently and typically waiting for the end of our winter-like weather. As we wait for the end of the rainy, cold grind many of us have visions of great spring shoes, dresses and sleeveless tops dancing in our heads! But wait! While we're waiting for the end this is a great time to close out our winter wear so when we return to our boots and sweaters next fall (okay, okay, we may see them before then off and on, but we can dream) they are almost as good as new.

If you're like me you may have a couple pair of boots that need some magic. Sometimes you can work the magic yourself by giving them a good polish and sometimes they require the magic of a professional. Many winters can dictate the need for heel repair. Spending a few bucks upfront will keep your favorite boots from meeting the end too soon and save you money in the long run!  It's so much nicer to get those repairs done now so you don't have to do it when you want to wear them again.

This is also a good time to hand wash or dry clean your sweaters so you'll be greeted by happy sweaters when you're once again ready to dive into the world of wool.

So instead of just waiting for the end of the cold, prepare for the inevitability of even colder weather next fall and winter! You'll be glad you did and you'll be guaranteed to Love What You Wear!

Love the Way You Lie

No one has to lie to Rihanna!

Rihanna and Eminem sing the hauntingly beautiful song "Love the Way You Lie". You may have someone in your life who says they love the way an outfit looks but perhaps your choice is really more haunting? There are many good reasons to tell someone a little white lie in an effort to save hurt feelings but we're not doing a friend any favors when we say, "oh, yeah, that looks great on you" when in fact it looks more ghoulish than great!

Many of you feel confident in your style and the choices you make. Some of you are more reluctant to trust your style instincts, or lack thereof. If your style confidence needs a second opinion, appoint a qualified friend for the job.

And, wait for it, here comes a Style Cents plug...if you can say, "I love the way you lie" to the fashion judge in your life it may be time for a Style Cents Wardrobe Analysis (click Menu of Services). It's a fun closet adventure and I guarantee you'll love the way you look not the way I lie and you'll certainly Love What you Wear!

Only Fools Rush In

Was Elvis ever wrong? Well maybe his peanut butter addiction wasn't such a great idea but he was right when he sang, "only fools rush in". He was talking about love of course but the same advice applies to fashion.

This jacket makes you want to rush in!

It is so easy to rush in with the crowd and purchase the latest trend. I have been guilty of it myself. Sometimes the latest style is the perfect match for your body type and sometimes it's not. The most important thing is to choose only great fitting clothes to hang in your closet and on your body. A fit that compliments your most liked areas and creates some "smoke and mirrors" on the areas you're not so fond of.

Many of us have rushed into a trendy store to purchase a trendy fashion and come out with something that looks well, a little like we should have rushed by instead! You wouldn't be a fool, however, to check out the big motorcycle jacket trend currently happening. They are flattering on many body types because their cropped shape accentuates the smallest part of the torso. Perhaps a motorcycle style jacket is a current trend you should add to your wardrobe?

When it comes to trends know when to rush in and when to rush out and Love What You Wear!

Uptown Girl

Oh, I know. You're probably wondering why all the dated songs. It's not my fault Billy Joel was the one who happened to sing Uptown Girl decades ago. I mean if the shoe (or song fits) you gotta wear it (or write about it).

Now, the rest of the story:

This Uptown Girl looks great and you can too!

Check out the woman in this picture! While I understand we're not all 5'10" wearing a size 2  there is much to learn from the great outfit this Uptown Girl is wearing! Hmmm...she is kind of a Christie Brinkley look alike (sorry if I lost some of you young folk out there who may not know the original uptown girl).

Let's take it apart. First and foremost- what a jacket! It's fun with its cute ruffles and hits at the waist for a slimming effect. You gotta love the eclectic nature of the outfit- it's not "matchy, matchy"- No mix and match Garanimals here, just pure creativity! The contrasting colored shirt (a pattern would also be fun) makes the jacket and the shirt really show up with flair. Then add the black pants (khaki would be cute too) and the neutral shoe (black would also work) to the mix and voila- perfection!

You too can be an uptown girl- no matter what your size. Take a page from this model's portfolio and see what you can create. Or better yet let Style Cents help you out. Just make sure you Love What You Wear!

You're So Vain...

Carly's looking good and singing good

...I bet you think this post is about you. The mystery of who Carly Simon was singing this to in the 1970's still lives on. But you know if this post is about you!

Some of my clients and friends have mentioned they feel if they dress well, putting time and energy into the process, they will be perceived as vain or self involved. I contend that dressing well and putting your best self forward is just a way of life. Why not look and feel good? Why not make the time for it? Don't we do our best at work, raising kids, raising pets, running races, working on our homes, being a good friend and partner?

Marianne Williamson famously wrote, "Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually who are you not to be? There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you."

So, there. Take that people who think looking good (which equates to feeling good and fabulous) is vain and self-serving. Just watch the looking good, feeling good,  people of the world take it over. Hmmm...perhaps they already have?

I mean, really, dressing well and appropriately isn't vain, it's fun and relevant...It's always a great idea to Love What You Wear- and this post isn't about you!

Man In The Mirror

How would you like to see this man in the mirror?

Before Michael Jackson's untimely passing he sang about the Man In The Mirror. He said, "I'm gonna make a change for once in my life...". He was certainly talking about deeper endeavors than fashion, style and looking your best but let's face it there may be a man in your life that needs to be singing, "I'm gonna make a change...".

I took Style Cents on the road to a man's closet today. It was the first time I have "Style Cents'd" (yes it can be a verb) a man. I must admit I was a bit nervous. Analyzing the good, bad and the ugly in my husband's closet doesn't always end on a high note. To add even more intrepidation, it was his wife's idea to bring Style Cents into his closet. We went through jeans, pants, t-shirts, dress shirts, polos, etc. We didn't always agree on what should stay and what should go but we made solid decisions and this particular man is on his way to looking so much better and feeling better too. And his wife is definitely excited about the new Man in the Mirror!

And did I mention we had a pretty good time meandering through this man's closet? Whether you're a man or a woman I can help you Love What You Wear!

Head to Toe

At the risk of introducing a song you may want to forget I must tell you about the Lisa Lisa song I heard in the grocery store this week. As I was grabbing a gallon of milk Lisa Lisa was belting out how she loves me from "Head to Toe". As the song played in my head for the rest of the day I couldn't help but think Lisa Lisa may be on to something that's as relevant today as it was in 1987 when she sang it.

Lisa Lisa was loving the bi-level cut in 1987!

I am a bargain hunter. I love the thrill of the chase, the digging, the anticipation of it all. Anyone who knows me knows this about me. But anyone who knows me also knows I'll drop some cash on my hair and my shoes. My favorite day is "hair day" when I get my hair cut and highlighted, and now thanks to my gray, colored as well. And get me in a shoe store and I may forget all about my bargaining ways. A good pair of shoes will often last for many seasons and will always bring out the best in what you're wearing.

Your look begins and ends with your hair and your shoes. There is no easier way to ruin a great outfit than with a crappy pair of shoes and lackluster hair. So take a page from Lisa Lisa's song book and let people love your look from Head to Toe. When you do you'll be sure to Love What You Wear!

Best Of What's Around

Dave Matthews struck a chord in 2006 when he sang "Best of What's Around".  My mom always strikes a chord with her platitudes but especially when she espouses "necessity is the mother of invention"! It's like someone put chocolate in my fashion peanut butter- What if I take the best of what's around when necessity requires it?

Have you ever had to put an outfit together at the last minute with no time to go shopping? You just have to choose things from your own closet, drawers or bedroom floor (let's face it we're not all perfect mom!). I have put the coolest, most unexpected combinations together when I'm faced with necessity and have to work with the best of what's around. Sometimes the best of what's around isn't obvious- it might be that the dress without the cool necklace doesn't do much but when you put them together- what an invention!

The next time you're invited out with friends or to a special event and you feel the urge to go out and get something new for the occasion- think again. Take your cue from Dave and MaryAnn and invent something from the best of what's around. You'll surprise yourself (and your friends!) and You'll Love What You Wear!