Celebration

Could this dress be at your
local consignment shop? Now that
would be something to celebrate!

You know it's on your mind. The season for celebrating is drawing near. Madonna, the queen of pop, released her song "Celebration" in 2009. The opening lyrics of "come join the party, let's get it started" are quite fitting for what YOU need to do- get your holiday dress shopping started, beat the crowds!

Is consignment shopping not your bag? Stop reading here. Do you enjoy a good consignment treasure? Read on:

If there is ever a good reason for consignment shopping, looking for a special occasion outfit is it. Think about it. Most people wear their "celebration dress" once or twice and then don't want to wear it again. So when you go to a consignment shop (or even thrift store) what you're looking at is practically new. You've just got to hope that the previous owner was a coordinated red wine drinker rather than the village party spiller.

So open your mind to consignment and thrift shopping this holiday season and you'll find you don't have to open your wallet so far! And let's face it, if you save money on the dress there just might be more money for those shoes you've been eyeing. Shoes are much more versatile than your celebration dress!

Think consignment and thrift for your next celebration and You'll Love What You Wear (and what you save)!

Animal

Stop horsing around-
Get to H&M for this tunic!

It was 1987 and all was right with the world. Many of us were safely tucked away on college campuses in that lovely "in-between" time of life when we had some responsibility but not too much! Oh, those were the days. But I digress. It was also the year Def Leppard released their single "Animal". The menagerie of animals present on clothing and accessories today is as prevalent as Def Leppard hits were in the 80's and 90's!

You just can't shop these days without hearing the faint hoot of an owl calling from the accessories department or the whinny of a horse coming from a rounder of blouses. I'm pretty sure you can almost always hear tigers and leopards roaring (do they roar?) no matter what year it is. Even the bark of dogs can be heard from a trendy top here and there. And everyone knows, when in doubt, put a bird on it!

So enjoy the fun of this fashion menagerie. I wouldn't suggest a closet full of these critters but why not go on the hunt for your favorite animal tunic, dress or top. It's fun, it's up-to-date and gosh darn it who doesn't love animals?

Get in on the animal fashion trend and You'll Love What You Wear!

Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Crazy dressing is for the stage!

Freddie Mercury wrote "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" in 1979 and as you recall it was quite a big hit! You will also recall that Freddie Mercury was a bit of a crazy dresser/costumer! 


This idea of dressing crazy to the point of costuming brings up an important style note. Dressing with originality and flare is fantastic. Dressing as if you are going to a costume party dressed as a crazy person, well, not so much. I notice now and then (well, quite a bit really) that there are those among us who take the originality a bit too far. Oh, that sounds so mean and judgmental I know. My concern is when dressing turns into more of a costume approach it affects how people perceive you. The well presented person is usually the first to get the job, the first to find solid friendships and relationships and is often more respected. It's not really fair but as my momma told me, "life isn't fair". 


I'm not saying you should dress like a banker. A little crazy goes a long way but there's a point of diminishing returns on alotta crazy!


Dress with originality and fun in mind (and keep the crazy at bay) and You'll Love What You Wear!

Happy Holidays

Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Andy Williams have all taken a turn singing "Happy Holidays". This hallmark holiday tune is probably one of the most popular and beloved seasonal melodies.

The funny thing about Frank, Bing and Andy is that they weren't only great singers but they knew how to dress! Well, of course they did, those were the good old days, right? Have you ever thought about the good old days when you were a sharp dresser? Have you somehow gotten away from dressing for success or just to feel and look your best? Well, do I have a deal for you:

If you book a Style Cents Wardrobe Analysis or purchase a Style Cents Gift Certificate now through January 1st you will be entered into a drawing for a $100 Style Cents Gift Certificate

Make your holidays happy by getting your closet and style in tip top shape for the season. You'll be the talk of all your holiday parties and gatherings (in a good way of course). Or give the gift of looking and feeling great to a friend or family member on your list. A Style Cents Wardrobe Analysis always fits and it's perfect for any age or gender. It's the gift that keeps on giving!

When you book a Style Cents service for you or someone you love you'll have a happy holiday and You'll Love What You Wear!

Got To Get You Into My Life

The Beatles sang "Got To Get You Into My Life" in 1966. Every season seems to bring an article of clothing that leaves you saying the same thing.

Tie one on with a  sheerly
beautiful blouse!

There are so many lovely ultra feminine tops this season screaming to get into your closet and your life. They can have a 70's flair when they manifest themselves as tie blouses. Those without ties have less of a retro look. These sometimes silk and sometimes poly beauties are versatile and fun. Their sheer, flowing properties are a bit anti-Seattle- a refreshing break from fleece and wool! That makes the trend all the more alluring. There's always an occasion to up the femininity and lose the grunge.

Take advantage of this trend that looks equally beautiful at the office or with your favorite jeans. Get a feminine, flowy blouse into your life and You'll Love What You Wear!

You Wear it Well

This legging outfit is classy and modern at any age!

You've got to dig deep in the music archives to find Rod Stewart's "You Wear it Well" single. It was released in 1972. Oh, the 70's. Ironically that decade is alive and well now in the looks of Fall 2011. There's a resurgence of bell bottoms, bright colors, jumpsuits (yikes!), maxi dresses, leather and fur. But the real question, especially with "push the envelope" styles, is can YOU wear it well?

This is always the conundrum. What can I get away with? One of the most common questions I hear is, "if I'm in my 40's, 50's or 60's can I wear leggings?". Leggings are such a comfortable, fun and modern look, most anyone can pull them off. Just be careful what you pair with them. A nice riding boot or flat with a tunic sweater and leggings is appropriate for any age or figure. Leggings paired with a high heel get into a "nightclub look" that almost no one beyond 25 can get away with. And who doesn't want to cover their bum, saggy knees and cankles? It seems like the legging/boot combo might just be made for the "mature" woman!

You can wear it well even when you push your comfort zone a bit. Wear it with confidence ("own it") and good judgement and You'll Love What You Wear!

Something In The Way She Moves

James Taylor, one of my all time faves sang "Something In The Way She Moves" in 1973. Not only do I love JT but I love this song. I love it because it conjures up that woman you know who just seems to have it all. She's pretty and well dressed, in her own signature style, but above all she has confidence and charisma, the best accessories you can don!

I knew a woman who had all these things- Teisha. I didn't know her well. I did go on a fabulous week long vacation with her  and ten others when I was young and single in the 90's. We had the time of our lives. We all got to know Teisha's infectious laugh and amazing singing voice. Years later I bought my first home in Portland with my friend Rick and Teisha was our fabulous Real Estate agent. She was our counselor, our friend, our mentor and our driver! She was a delight- there was something in the way she moved. Rick and I looked forward to our drives through Portland with Teisha. It was kind of sad when we finally found our house and had to say goodbye to those drives.

She went on to start her own band and her beautiful voice was heard by many. She died last Thursday. But those who knew her fleetingly and those who knew her well will always remember there was just something in the way she moved.