Red Red Wine

If you love red, red wine
you'll love OxiClean!

The great, if not easy to poke fun of, Neil Diamond wrote and recorded "Red Red Wine" in 1968. It was more famously covered by UB40 in 1983. Whether you like this song or prefer one version over the other I'm most certain you would NOT like red, red wine spilled on your NYE outfit.

Many of us will be imbibing in red wine on NYE and spills happen people! You already know the party spillers you'll be surrounded by so do your best to keep your distance from the spiller, unless the spiller is you! More importantly if a spill happens make sure you have OxiClean, a fashionista's best friend, close at hand. No, OxiClean is not a sponsor of Style Cents but man does Style Cents love that OxiClean!

Drink your red wine, have a happy and safe new year, keep your OxiClean in your back pocket (okay, that would actually be a fashion faux pas, but keep nearby) and you'll Love What You Wear!

Closing Of The Year

Remember the movie "Toys" released in 1992? If you do you may also remember the fabulous song "Closing Of The Year" by Wendy and Lisa. It's worth a watch and listen. I always have it in my music rotation on New Year's Eve. And speaking of NYE and the closing of the year, it seems like a good time to make sure you have your closet closed to these fashion don'ts as you enter 2012:

Don't close the year
with this look!

1. Short Shirts- nothing says 1999 like a short short. Make sure the hem of your top hits at hip level. The shorter the shirt the more likely the belly alarm may sound. Plus the short shirt is a great hip enhancer- if that doesn't convince you to go longer nothing will!
2. Mom Jeans- if you're sporting a light wash jean that comes to your belly button, or god forbid, above your belly button, cease and desist immediately! March to to the store and find some dark wash jeans with a mid-rise and toast to the new year and the new you!
3. Super Low Jeans- crack kills. Especially the aging variety.
4. Mom Shoes- there is no excuse for a frumpy shoe these days. Even comfort brands make cute boots and shoes so unless you're a nurse cut it out. There is no quicker way to ruin an outfit than to finish it off with less than stylish footwear.
5. Colorless Outfits- we're all attracted to grey and black and there's nothing wrong with that. There is, however, something wrong with wearing only these colors everyday. Come on, branch out even if it's just adding a colorful accessory to breathe life into your anemic wardrobe.

Honorable Mention-
Skirt and Dress hemlines that hit below the knee- this isn't a hard and fast rule for everyone but for 90% of us it is. Be very careful when your hemline falls below the knee, it can turn you into a nun in a hot minute, especially if you are petite.

The closing of the year is a time to reflect on all the great things from the past 365 days. It's also a time of hope and opportunity as we look at the year ahead. May the closing of your year be a perfect blend of past present and future and may you Love What You Wear!

My Favorite Things

Ahhh, The Sound of Music and Julie Andrews singing "My Favorite Things", good stuff! Most everyone has positive memories surrounding this 1965 movie and song. What were your favorite style memories in 2011? Wait, did I just hear someone ask me what my favorite style memories were? Well, since you asked:

Whether it's 2011 or 2012
a cropped jacket will always
be a favorite thing!

1. Cotton Jersey Scarf- I wore mine several times a week- whether it was on my way to a workout or to the grocery store. So easy to tie, so comfy and warm, all while adding easy going flair.
2. Cropped Black Jacket- can't live without it! Goes with everything and hits mid-torso for a great slimming effect. You can find one most anywhere.
3. Skinny Jeans- I have three pair and I'm not sure that's even enough! Can't wait for spring when I'll be rolling them up once or twice to wear with cute flats or wedges. I hope this trend that's been around for some time continues it's longevity.
4. Boots- duh. Love tucking my leggings and skinny jeans into them. Love them with skirts and dresses. Love them with most everything but a swimsuit. Love flat, wedge and chunky heeled boots. And the cowboy boot? Yes, please!
5. Bracelets- layer, layer, layer- there are never enough.  Put dainty styles with chunky versions and watch the magic happen. 
6. Floral Chiffon Blouse- this trend is so fun to juxtapose with a tougher look like a studded leather bracelet. Prim and tough- great combo. I especially like the v-neck tie variety which is lovely paired with a motorcycle style jacket, skinny jeans and boots.
7. Tunic Top- what could be better with your favorite leggings and skinny jeans? Enough said.
8. Patterned Hoisery- these can breathe new life and modern flair into otherwise ho-hum skirts and dresses. I've got big plans to get a bit bolder with this trend in 2012. 
9. Oxford Shoe- love my Miz Mooz chunky heel version. Putting these in my footwear rotation kept me from wearing boots EVERY day. Pairing them with a white button down and cardigan- nice! And did I mention how comfy?
10. New Hairstyle- sporting a new do is fun even if you don't like it as well as your last do. Change is good and helps spur innovative ideas for your whole look.

Say goodbye to 2011 but take your favorite things into 2012, perhaps in new, fun ways. When you do you'll Love What You Wear!

Muffin Top

A 2010 episode of 30 Rock showcased the hilarious video of  Jenna singing "Muffin Top"- worth a watch and frankly a subject worth discussing. Oh, how we hate the muffin top and how it affects the fit of our jeans, our tops and the much dreaded swimsuit. Soooo, what can those of us that carry this treat with us at all times do?

This ruching makes people say, "what muffin top?"

Oh, there are so many ways to hide your muffin top. Let us count the top five strategies:

1. Almighty ruching- the muffin top's VERY best friend. Ruched tops and dresses are a miraculous design certainly invented by a woman and hide a multitude of sins. Add a subtle pattern and where is the MT?
2.  Wide belt- although the belt can be scary, you'd be surprised how the perfect width of a belt hits you in all the right places to hide your less appreciated area.
3. Long Scarf or Necklace- never underestimate the power of drawing the eye to something pretty. We humans are easily distracted and a pretty scarf or necklace definitely begs for attention while distracting from the MT.
4.  Mid-rise jeans- don't get me wrong, I'm not talking mom jeans here. I'm talking about a nice mid-rise jean that sucks in the area that needs some sucking. Listen Dorothy- you're not in Kansas anymore AND you're not 25 either. Time to face facts, the super-low jean is for your niece or daughter not you!
5.  Confidence- yep, you heard it here, confidence sells and is a great distracter- really! Muffin top or not, you always look your best when you carry yourself and dress yourself with confidence!

Love your body but do your best to make the most of what you've got and You'll Love What You Wear!

Hot Legs

These wide calf boots can be ordered
from Zappos and are perfect for every day!

It was 1978 and Rod Stewart released his single "Hot Legs". Man, that was a long time ago. But most of us remember the song. And we probably did have hot legs back then, eh? Many women I talk with these days, however, complain about how their legs- hot or not- don't fit into boots.

Getting boots zipped around the calf can definitely be an issue. And want to have a pair of jeans tucked in? That can further complicate the matter. Of course I contend this doesn't mean you are "hot legs free", it mostly means the ding dongs making these boots have lost their minds! It's heartbreaking (drama intended) to think of a good woman going through a Pacific Northwest winter without a good boot! So don't give up. Not all boots are created with the toothpick calf in mind- keep the search alive. Look for boots that have a panel at the top that allows for some growth. Or check out boots specifically created for a larger calf here- lots of options!

Don't let the pesky makers of boots make you lose sight of your hot legs. Procure some cute boots just for your hot legs and you'll Love What You Wear!

Arms

The interesting neckline and tie belt of this
dress draw the eye away from the dreaded arms
(the length should be above the knee though)

The song "Arms" by Christina Perri is so lovely. She released it this year and it's definitely worth listening to if you haven't already. While this song has nothing to do with the epidemic of women who hate their arms the title definitely reminds me of this fact!

The past year I have heard the "I hate my arms" complaint over and over again. Holiday dresses and tops are often sleeveless which makes this time of year all the more disconcerting for the arm haters among us. So, what do you do if you don't count your arms as one of your finest assets?

The term "smoke and mirrors" comes to mind. If you don't like your arms add something to detract from them. If you are going sleeveless add a fun necklace or scarf to the mix so the eye is drawn to those accessories rather than your arms. Wear a fantastic belt that accentuates the smallest part of your body and voila, who cares about those arms! The name of the game is drawing attention to the areas you love to detract attention from the less liked areas.

Avoid always wearing a cardigan or jacket to hide your arms- embrace them (pun intended)! Wearing something over your sleeveless outfit often destroys the great line and style of the garment. Come on, just try going sleeveless and see what happens- you may fall in love with your arms all over again, or, um, for the first time!

Go sleeveless with pride and confidence while accentuating the positive and you'll Love What You Wear!

Comfort Zone

Uncomfortable wearing scarves? Just Do It!

Waaay back in 1991 Vanessa Williams released a song called "Comfort Zone". If you watch the video you'll be simultaneously entertained and mortified. I do believe there's a reason Ms. Williams isn't topping the charts these days. But just because Vanessa isn't making great music doesn't mean you can't move a bit out of your comfort zone and create some great outfits!

Have you ever put something on and said, "I really like this but it's not what I usually wear". Umm, that may be just the point! Perhaps you should give what you really like a try even if it means you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Oh, what's that old saying? I know, I know- "Comfort zones are most often expanded through discomfort"- Peter McWilliams.

So, go all Nike with your wardrobe and "Just Do it". When you get out of your comfort zone you'll Love What You Wear!

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas

This sparkling cuff is a whopping
$10.80 at Forever 21 and adds
fun without fret to any holiday outfit!

It is officially the holiday season. And what Christmas would be complete without Burl Ives' "Holly Jolly Christmas" somewhere on that holiday mix? When it comes to fashion, the holidays can be a bit stressful. There's nothing that will get women in more of a frenzy than the hunt for a perfect holiday outfit. The process can be anything but jolly!

This year take a deep breath, head to your closet and see what you have before you panic. Is there a dress, top or skirt that you wore last year or a couple years ago that could be revamped with different jewelry, hosiery or footwear? If you have many events to attend maybe you treat yourself to a new dress and work with what you already own for the remaining soirees. And don't forget the age old "phone a friend option". It can sometimes take a village to dress for the season! Imitation is the highest form of flattery so your gal pal will love that you ask to borrow some seasonal flair.

Save some money, save some stress and definitely have a Holly Jolly (Stylish) Christmas and you'll Love What You Wear!

The Groundhog Day Song

Don't let this guy stand in the way
of dressing well each day!

Yep, there's a Groundhog Day Song. Who knew? I suggest you listen to this masterpiece. Well, only if you have time to waste! I know we can all feel like we're living in the Groundhog day movie, doing the same things day in and day out. Dressing each day can feel a bit Groundhogday'esque. I hear, "I don't know what to wear" or "I hate getting dressed in the morning" from a lot of people. This is often the excuse for dressing in less than stellar clothing.

While I understand that getting dressed may not be the highlight of your day it certainly shouldn't seem like drudgery. Everyone who chooses not to live in a nudist colony is tasked with the processes of daily dressing. If you have to get dressed each day why not look good? It takes the same amount of time to put on ill-fitting, unattractive clothing as it does to don clothing that fits well and makes you feel great.

When you go to your closet that is not located in a nudist colony tomorrow morning, make choices that boost your looks and help you feel good. Why not? You will, after all, be wearing those clothes for several hours. And you just never know when George Clooney might visit your home or office- just sayin'.

Don't let Groundhog day syndrome stand in the way of dressing well. Shoot that groundhog right between the eyes and Love What You Wear!