Patterns

A pattern "starter" idea-
not too scary.

Jump on a time machine, head back to 1966 and you'll find Simon and Garfunkel's Patterns. A lovely tune on the album entitled "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme". Just as these spices are blended together nicely in many a fine recipe so you can mix patterns in your wardrobe.

Mixing patterns is scary to most people and a signature look for a few. When I see someone mixing patterns well I can't help but think of how clever they are. Some do it with wild abandon and others with a more subtle approach. My favorite pattern mixing strategy is to take two different patterns with similar color pallets and blend them together. This can be done with a patterned blouse under a subtly patterned jacket or a patterned top with a similarly colored patterned scarf- and the possibilities go on from there- pants, shoes, etc. A simple (if not a bit vague) rule to remember is less is more when mixing patterns- going too far can create the clown effect and frankly, who really likes clowns anyway?

The old "own it" mantra definitely comes into play when mixing patterns. You best wear your mix with confidence or it won't work- own your patterns people!

When you mix patterns with confidence and panache you'll Love What You Wear!

Low

You know the song Low by Flo Rida and now you will have it in your head for the rest of the day! I'll tell you what I have in my head as the days get cooler and turtlenecks are starting to come out of closets- low, low, low, low, low...

Stay warm and don't go low!

That's right people, I've said it before and I'll say it again. When anyone who isn't tall and thin sports a turtleneck their bust line will appear quite low due to one fabric covering the neck to the hips. We all know we don't need to add to the "low equation" of Age + Kids + Nursing (the more that apply the lower they go!).

So for those of us who get chilly this time of year there IS an alternative to the turtleneck. And you know what it is because this is a review! That's right- it's a scarf. And why wouldn't you want to wear a scarf? It adds color and texture to your ensemble while keeping you cozy warm.

Say it with me: when you wear a scarf your bust will sit high and proud and You'll Love What you Wear!

Holiday

Love this oldie but goodie that Madonna belted out in 1983. Holiday is a fun and lighthearted tune and summer holidays have the same traits. What makes a good old fashioned holiday even better? Well, a suitcase full of all the right things of course. Assuming your holiday will involve a body of water here is the Style Cents recommended list of must haves:

A well edited suitcase makes your
holiday more enjoyable!

1. Swimsuit- don't hate me because I just suggested you have to pack a swimsuit. I admit in my advanced age the idea of a swimsuit doesn't quite thrill me like it used to. If you are like me you need, as my friend once said, a swim SYSTEM not a swimsuit. If that's the case I recommend a sturdy number from Land's End. I love this tunic style. Low on blatant sex appeal but long on coverage and strength. Go forth with confidence in your swimsuit!
2. Tote Bag- whether you're toting your own things or those of an entire family, a nice bag can make you feel better about being responsible for the transportation of all the towels, snacks, water bottles, strange creatures found on the beach, etc. This is not your mama's tote bag and is on super sale right now!
3. Versatile Dress(es)- the dress is the answer to all things summer. So versatile- it's a cover up, it's a night out ensemble it's a comfy after-swim number. A jersey knit variety is also easily packed and never wrinkles. The options are boundless! This Michael Stars maxi fits all your summer holiday needs- the epitome of versatile!
4. Versatile Shoe- Let's face it the shoe situation on vacation causes the most packing trauma. If there's an overflow in your bag, shoes are usually the culprit. I find a mid-height wedge or chunky heel sandal to serve lots of purposes while still offering walkability. My favorite sandal this summer has been these Miz Mooz foot holders.
5. Awesome Accessories- there's no easier way to change up that versatile dress than with accessories. Make sure you have a couple necklaces, earrings, cuffs and bracelets in your bag of tricks. Large chandelier earrings make the dress you wore as a cover up earlier in the week a perfect option for evening dining when a chunky heel also replaces those flip flops.
6. Easy Going Attitude- as my brother likes to tell me, "participate, don't anticipate". We sometimes have rigid expectations about how our holiday should play out. I always try to pack my most flexible, easy going self (uhm, easier said than done). This includes packing a wine opener!

Enjoy your holiday even if that means a "staycation" for you this season. When you have all the right clothing and accessory must haves you'll have a great holiday and Love What You Wear!

Baby Got Back

Love your back!

EVERYBODY remembers Baby Got Back by Sir Mix A Lot. While the video is a bit more crude than I remember (I guess I'm older than I remember), Mr. Mix A Lot makes a mighty good point!

I've never met a "back" that didn't look super in a pair of jeans. And, yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and there are jeans that fit you and make you feel great. You best start loving your back now because someday you'll look back at how your back used to be and think, "hmmm, I'd like to have that back, back!"

When you love your back and place it in just right jeans, you'll  Love What You Wear!

What Makes You Beautiful

Be prepared to
feel beautiful at
summer soirees!

Don't hate me because I like the boy band (One Direction), poppity-pop song What Makes You Beautiful. Admit it, it is kind of a catchy tune, complete with cheesy video. Oh, but whatever makes you beautiful is not cheesy at all my friends.

What makes you feel beautiful? Most of us have a favorite outfit, piece of jewelry, cool shoes or combination that makes us feel confident, if not beautiful. So find that combo in your closet or treat yourself to something new. Create a few go-to outfits for your upcoming summer soirees. Carve an hour out of your day to really look at what you have and how you can mix and mingle things in a new way. Group these summer ensembles together so when you're running out of time before going out you have something you know you'll feel good in. Wearing something that gives you confidence makes you feel beautiful- Love What You Wear!

Ready To Start

In the spirit of full disclosure I must admit more than anything I want to share Arcade Fire's Ready To Start video with you all. Fantastic song, cool video! But since we're on the subject...

Ready to start getting
your closet looking great?
Okay, maybe not this great!

Are you ready to start? Ready to start looking as great on the outside as you are on the inside? Are you ready to get the clutter out of your closet and make getting dressed every morning a delight rather than drudgery?

Call me when you're ready to start, we'll have fun, you'll feel fabulous and you'll Love What You Wear!

Beverly Hills

Driving through the rain this morning I heard the fun Weezer tune Beverly Hills (2005). I couldn't help but think that Beverly Hills with its endless sunshine, decadence and fashion seemed pretty enticing.

Oh, sure it's a great place to visit but
you'd miss the Seattle rain and fun style!

Then I remembered Seattle often has the weather of every season contained in a 24 hour period. Decadence in the Emerald City is found in fantastic food and drink. And fashion is as diverse as the mercurial weather.

What Seattle lacks in the sunshine department it makes up for in individuality. As often illustrated in the popular blog It's My Darlin, the people of Seattle dress with a personality and originality not seen in more mundane environs. So when you think you'd like to head to Beverly Hills for some sunshine and cookie cutter name brand fashion this gloomy June, think again. Grab your umbrella and head out for some on-the-street fashion watching then thank your lucky stars you don't live in that silly, sunny Beverly Hills!

You may even get some stylish ideas people watching, then you're sure to Love What You Wear!

Party

Celebrating in style at Alki Arts

Last year Beyonce released the song Party. And whad'ya know last Saturday Style Cents threw a party....so much in common!

It was a soiree to celebrate Style Cents clients and all the fun it has been meeting them, scouring their closets, and finding treasure within!

I'm looking forward to another great year of fabulous clients, closets and shopping!

Thank You!

Endless Love

Oh, 1981. I remember it like it was yesterday. Lionel Richie and Diana Ross sang Endless Love on the movie soundtrack with the same title. A song can take us back to a place that has lovely memories. Over time the memories are probably much sweeter than the actual events. Hmmmm...this happens with clothing too!

There should be an end
 to some things you
loved in the past!

I don't know how many times I've heard, "I love this sweater because I went to a great party in 1992 wearing it". Funny how the reason for holding on to it, is precisely the reason for dumping it! Wine often ages well but clothing doesn't always stand the test of time.

We are all guilty of having an endless love for a favorite article of clothing. Next time you see an endless love-like sweater (or top, or pants) in your closet, ask yourself, "do I really love this or do I love the memory I have while wearing it"?

Go through photo albums to remember the good times so you can let go of that endless love you have for the purple palazzo pants (it's the worst vision I could conjure) hanging in the dark recesses of your wardrobe. When you see your closet clearly, and have an end to your least attractive, past garment loves you'll Love What You Wear!*

*Disclaimer: There are things that stand the test of time and are worth keeping for many years- but they are few and far between!

Somebody That I Used To Know

You don't have to be
on the cutting edge of
style to be stylish.
Be the stylish YOU!

I love the catchy and unique tune Somebody That I Used To Know by Goyte. This delightful song was released last year and gets me thinking about all the people I've worked with in the last 12 months. Are clients who received a Style Cents Wardrobe Analysis feeling like they are dressing in a way that makes them long for that somebody that they used to know? My hope is that the answer is NO and they are enjoying a wardrobe that represents someone they've always been but stylishly enhanced!

As I work with a client one of the most important things we do is to stay true to their style. That being said, I also do my best to push a client to go a bit out of their comfort zone so they can represent themselves in an even better way. The beauty of a Wardrobe Analysis is that it helps me understand a client's lifestyle and clothing preferences. As we discuss how their look can be improved we play with clothes they already own and love, creating new combinations while thinking about fun ways to take their style to the next level.

When you stay true to your lifestyle and take some fashion chances you'll stay somebody that you DO know and You'll Love What You Wear!

The Lazy Song

Comfy and classy for a
day that feels a bit lazy

I'm sure most people can relate to Bruno Mars' The Lazy Song where he proclaims "today I'm not doing anything". The pull to stay in bed or stay in your pajamas is only escalated by a gloomy, rainy Seattle day. The bad news for most of us is not doing anything is rarely an option, nor is going to work in pajamas.

The good news is there is a way to be almost jammie comfy on those days when motivation is low and need for comfort is high. Have a couple of stylish legging/tunic/boot (or flats) outfits always ready to go for days like these. You can look just as put together as you do on your more tailored days and feel oh, so snuggly.

There's no need to project to the world that you weren't so keen on getting out of bed this morning. Just grab your go-to legging ensemble and no one will be the wiser. Sip your warm latte and wear a dressier, tailored look tomorrow. I won't tell anyone our little pseudo-jammie secret...shhhh.

When you have a go-to comfort outfit (or two) you'll Love What You Wear!

Thin Layer

The look and feel of an outfit can change dramatically
with layering and different shoe and hosiery choices!

In 2007, The Honorary Title released the tune Thin Layer. It's kinda catchy and worth a listen. These days with the Pacific Northwest weather being anything but predictable, a few thin layers are definitely required. The good news is that layering is both functional and aesthetically  pleasing- love when you can kill two birds with one stylish stone!

Let's set the scene: you wake up Monday morning, it's cloudy and cool, looks like it will probably rain. Based on history you know by the time you come home from work, running errands or your appointment there's a high probability that the sun will be shining and it will be an entirely different Seattle day.

A good fashionista is always prepared so arm yourself for the day. Whatever bottom you choose- jeans, skirt with tights, khaki's, dress pants etc. you can layer your top half. Choose a tank or cami for your first layer, a light wool cardigan for your second layer, a light jacket (denim jacket or blazer) next and finally a scarf. You can even add a coat or vest on top of that. When you get to your indoor destination the coat/vest can be taken off, perhaps the scarf, if you're too warm. But you are set for the day no matter what the weather brings. Admittedly, you aren't prepared for rain in this scenario but that's what umbrellas are for, right?

This formula works when attending an outside event or heading somewhere indoors. Play with the components to make it your own and layer with confidence. When you do you'll Love What You Wear!

Perfect Fit

Everyone (or so I think) loves a little Van Morrison and I do believe his tune Perfect Fit, released in 1995, does not disappoint. What is disappointing is when people wear clothes that don't fit properly. It's a sad, sad thing.

What is the perfect fit? It really depends on the garment style. Make sure you ascertain the item's intended silhouette and make sure it fits accordingly.

Here are a few fit tips for often purchased items:

Even a loose fitting trapeze
dress needs a proper fit
to ensure it looks perfect!

1. Jeans- when you pull up those babies in the dressing room, there should be some difficulty getting them on. Jeans have so much spandex in them these days they stretch out quickly. So a super snug (not uncomfortable) fit is required- especially with skinny jeans. Trouser and boyfriend jeans would be an exception.
2. Tops- this is a harder one because there are so many different styles and intentions for how they should be worn. Most tops should be body skimming with a hem that hits at the hip. Exceptions to this would be short boxy tops. These look great with a snug fitting, hip skimming cami/tshirt underneath. If there is a shoulder seam on the top, it should hit right at the top of the shoulder, otherwise it will look sloppy.
3. Dresses- one sure fire sign that a dress isn't fitting well is when the armpits of the dress are flapping in the proverbial wind. Regardless of the dress style, even if it's a loose trapeze dress, the top part of the dress needs to fit snugly. 
4. Bras- there is nothing more important than a bra! I don't care if you're small or large busted. If you're not wearing a bra right now, drop everything you're doing and pick up your boobs- as in go to Nordstrom and get fitted!! I'll just say it, the older you are the more you need the assistance of a bra- gravity is not a fictional concept. Most of you are wearing a cup size that is too small and a strap size that is too big, e.g., if you're wearing a 36C, it could be that you should be wearing a 34D. Get fitted!

When you have the perfect fit you'll Love What You Wear!

In Between

A cropped jacket
can bridge the
in between season!

As much as I don't love Linkin Park in general, I find I do love their mellow tunes a lot! One of their melancholy, slow moving songs is "In Between" off their 2007 "Minutes to Midnight" album. This reminds me of the in between weather a Seattle spring brings. I can't say I love this very much. It conjures up all kinds of confusion when it comes to what to wear. Here are some in between staples that will help you glide through this funny season with relative ease, it's as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Fitted, cropped jacket- this helps enormously on those days that it's too cool for going jacketless and too warm for your go-to winter wonder coat. The blue denim variety is always a hit until you are wearing blue denim on the bottom. For those blue jean days have a colored jacket on hand- khaki, red, yellow, etc.
2. Favorite Flat- I know, I know, not everyone is in love with the flat either because we want some height or we need more support for our (aging) feet. To those that want height I say find a nice closed toe wedge for those that need support I say look to some of the comfort brands for a flat that does provide more support.
3. Boyfriend Jean- nothing says spring like a boyfriend jean with a rolled cuff, cute flats and a long t-shirt with a cropped jacket...ahhhhh. Add your favorite accessories to make it your own!

When you find a way to get on top of the in between season you'll Love What You Wear!

Baby, I Love Your Way

Oh, man, can you remember how hot you thought Peter Frampton was? Oh, maybe that was just me? He released "Baby, I Love Your Way" in 1975 and Big Mountain re-released it, reggae style, in 1994. We all know people that just have a way you've gotta love.

I take this break from our regularly scheduled fashion programming for an ode to my husband:
For eight months my hardworking, fortitude filled super-employable partner swam upstream to find a job. A guy you would never believe could be unemployed. Well connected, well spoken, well educated and well mannered. Well, luck wasn't on his side for the first time in his life. So what did he do? He called everyone he knew, people he didn't know, and was eternally patient- not even his strong suit. He worked hard, took advantage of time with his family and kept a phenomenally, sometimes irritatingly so, positive attitude.

There are just some people who have a way. A way of always keeping on, and with a smile. Voicing frustration but not letting it get to their core. Today the man with "the way" was offered a job that he is very excited about and all I can think is "baby, I love your way". I sure wish my way was more like his way. I could use some of that way!

I put some pretty good interview outfits together for my husband over these eight months- never underestimate the power of clothing and a kick ass "way". Oh, husband of mine, I love your way, and when you follow my detailed clothing instructions I Love What You Wear :)

Yellow

A perfect sunny addition
to any wardrobe!

The song "Yellow" was released by ColdPlay in 2000 and many radio stations have been playing it on repeat ever since (or maybe it just seems like it?). I've been noticing some great shades of yellow in this spring's fashion lineup that actually are worth repeat wearings!

Anyone who has been bold enough to paint a wall yellow knows all too well how the slightest difference in tone and shade make the yellow a hit or miss. Finding the perfect yellow top, jacket or shoe can be difficult but when you do it's like donning sunshine! The other great feature of yellow is it pairs well with lots of colors. Most any of the saturated color jeans and pants out these days would be a nice compliment to a yellow top or shoe.

Make it a spring mission to find a fun yellow piece for your wardrobe and you'll Love What You Wear!

The Mirror Song

Get the big style picture!

Thomas Dolby sang the very Thomas Dolby'esque "The Mirror Song" for the Toys soundtrack in 1992. While Mr. Dolby is apparently a fan of the mirror, I've observed many people "tone deaf" without a full length mirror!

Recently a friend of mine purchased a full length mirror. She hung it right outside her walk-in closet (yes, her walk-in closet, I'm jealous too). She reports having the mirror available while dressing each day has ramped up her creativity. Why, you ask? She confesses she was wearing the same clothing combinations day after day because she knew they worked. She was nervous to try other mixes because she couldn't see the full outfit. Seeing the entire picture, she is now confident attempting new clothing fusions.

It's also important to note (and it's a note I have sung many times) shoes can make or break an outfit. If you don't have the advantage of looking in a full length mirror you may be missing a crucial piece of information. Perhaps you're sporting a fabulous ensemble from your head to your ankles but what you have on your feet makes the garment medley self destruct.

Invest in a $7 full length mirror at Target, lay down $100 at Ikea or go big at Pottery Barn. Whatever your choice, when you make use of a full length mirror your clothing creativity will soar and you'll Love What You Wear.

Things That Make You Go Hmmm

Face it. You can't even read the title "Things That Make You Go Hmmm" without singing it. This tune has been in our heads, off and on, since C+C Music Factory released it in 1991.

Things that make
you go awwww

Well, let me tell you about the things that make me go hmmm at this moment in 2012. Oh, I'll tell you!

1. This god-forsaken Pacific Northwest weather makes me go hmmm as I wipe the tears from my eyes thinking about the long wait for summer (cuz there is no spring here).
2. When I wake up to said PNW weather I wonder what shoes to wear, then fear for the life of the shoes I choose as they're required to wade through the day (I admit I'm not a rain boot fan, hence the struggle).
3. Thinking about the fact that my outfit is rarely revealed in these jacket intensive days. It seems that day in and day out the look du jour is coat, scarf, boots, repeat.

And then I remember, well usually, that this too shall pass. Someday, not so soon, we will be showing off our pedicures in lovely sandals and donning spring frocks. Admittedly, some days it is more difficult to see  this fact than others. But it really is a fact.

When you realize the Seattle rain brings us our beautiful, world renowned landscape and build a very strong relationship with sweaters, coats, scarves and boots you'll Love What You Wear!

You've Got A Friend

These are good friends!

Oh, how I love both James Taylor's and Carole King's version of "You've Got a Friend". Carole wrote and released it in 1971 and James covered it that same year.

After hosting an old friend for the weekend I got to thinking about friendships, especially the well seasoned ones. The kind of friends you have so much history with you could string together all the stories you share for days without pause. As I put my friend on the train today to head back to his reality and I to mine I had to smile thinking how we just made new memories to add to the long list.

A good friend can't be beat. We all have good friends in our closet too. Those go-to pieces that give us confidence. Perhaps these friends do some disguising where disguising is most desired. Or maybe we love them because we remember fun memories we had while wearing them (these can be dangerous if that's all they provide!). I have owned a pair of boots for nine years and they are still in heavy rotation. I look at them and think how I love wearing them- they're comfortable and cute and just right. Kind of like an old friend.

When you need an extra boost of confidence or just something you can rely on, turn to the friends in your closet. When you do You'll Love What You Wear!

The Bluest Skies You've Ever Seen Are In Seattle

Okay, so the song is really just called "Seattle" but I love that line of the song so much I had to use it. Remember the show "Here Come The Brides"? The song "Seattle" was released for this program in 1968 by Perry Como. I loved watching the re-runs and I love hearing this old song.

It's true isn't it? The bluest skies you'e ever seen really are in Seattle. We forget that sometimes. We also forget that when the skies aren't blue there are some stylish reasons to be happy.

Here are my top five reasons to love a gloomy, chilly Seattle day:

1. Boots- Who doesn't love a great pair of boots? Good with jeans, dresses and skirts. A Seattle staple!
2. Sweaters- Love me a merino wool v-neck! A cozy accessory canvas.
3. Scarves- Bold and bulky or sweet and silky. You can never have too many of these neck warmers.
4. Leggings- So comfy and warm and super duper with tunics and long sweaters. It feels like you're wearing snugly jammies instead of a stylish ensemble.
5. Jeans- In this town all you need are a few good pair! From skinnies to bootcut to trouser styles, there's a pair for every Seattle occasion. I'm biased toward the skinny myself. 

When the bluest skies you've ever seen can't be seen in Seattle remember there are lots of stylish reasons to love the gloom. Concentrate on your top five cold weather favorites and you'll Love What You Wear!

Hello Again

The fabulous Amos Lee released "Hello Again" early in 2011. Not only is this song great, the whole album is top notch- one of my all time faves. In the world of fashion it seems like we are saying hello again to lots of styles we remember from our past. Namely the 70's and 80's trends just keep on showing up and I love it!

Say "hello again" to color
blocking, lace, groovy
looks and bright colors

Why not consider saying hello again to these trends:

• Bohemian Chic- Think Little House on the Prairie meets Stevie Nicks (not as mind bending as you might think). Bohemian styles with homespun elements like crochet/macrame, lace, distressed leather, desert florals and turquoise are all part of this look.
• Disco Diva- Ode to Studio 54! Try sizzling satin, asymmetrical designs, shoulder cutouts with a rich jewel tone palate. Top it off with shoulder duster earrings and platforms and you'll be one step closer to understanding the mysterious Andy Warhol!
• Color Blocking- Love it or leave it on dresses, tops and tunics- this trend is alive and well.

Some fashionistas are subtle and some are daring, if these hello again styles scare you think of more modified versions. Whatever your style, try saying, "hello again" to these trends from decades past. When you do you'll Love What You Wear!

Element of Surprise

These bold bangles are great
for adding the element of
surprise to most any outfit!

The rapper E-40 released his single "The Element of Surprise" in 1998. Proceed with caution if you dare listen to this profanity laden rap nugget. Can't say I recommend it but I can say I recommend employing the element of surprise in your style.

Those people who use the element of surprise in what they wear project confidence and originality. So what can you do to create this look? The first thing to avoid is a matchy-matchy look. When you find yourself perfectly matched try to find an accessory that adds a new color, pattern or texture to the mix, breaking up the monotony. When you have a very tailored look going throw on a casual denim jacket or funky boot to amplify your originality. Play with colors- if you have a lot of blue in your ensemble finish if off with a chunky yellow, orange or animal print bangle.

Adding surprising and funky elements to your outfit can be done overtly or very subtly. Know thyself and proceed with your element of surprise accordingly. When you do you'll Love What You Wear!

Little Black Sandals

Comfy and cute (by Camper)
 for everyday summer fun!
Also comes in black :)

Could there by a better song title than "Little Black Sandals"? Love the title and the song sung by Sia. Definitely worth a listen. And while we're speaking of little black sandals, it reminds me that most every client I've worked with has a sandal deficit. While I realize the Seattle sandal season is short, it's still a necessary element in any woman's wardrobe.

Many of us enjoy the simplicity of the flip flop. I love my flip flops as much as the next girl but the truth is that grownups wear sandals. Flip flops are for the beach and the park, sandals are for everything else. You should have at least one pair of little black (or yellow, or red, or blue) sandals that are comfy and cute for your everyday spring/summer outfits. As I've said before, and darn it, it bears repeating- shoes can make or break an outfit. Don't break your everyday summer ensemble, make it!

Now's the time to peruse the online and brick and mortar store shelves for your "go to" sandal. When you find the perfect pair, you'll Love What You Wear!

Rolling In the Deep

How deep is the stack of
your unwanted clothing?

If you've turned on your radio or television in the past 14 months you've certainly heard the fabulous Adele and her powerful tune "Rolling In the Deep". If you watched the Grammys Sunday night you saw Adele sweep up lots of awards! Now that Spring is around the corner it's time for you to do some closet sweeping of your own to keep from rolling in the deep stacks of unwanted clothing hanging in your closet and sitting in your dresser drawers.

Take a rainy Seattle weekend and put it to good use. Look at your spring duds. Are there some items you didn't wear last spring? You know the ones, you try them on but always take them off because somehow they just don't work. There's a reason you  don't wear those clothes. Set them free and let a thrift or consignment shopper enjoy them. The less you roll in the deep, the easier you can find the grammy worthy pieces in your closet!

When you make a clean sweep and stop rolling in the deep, you'll Love What You Wear!

So What

Yeah, so what! That's what Pink sings and I kinda have to agree with her today. So what, it's Valentine's Day. Oh, dear that sounds bitter. I'm really not. I participate in the day's festivities with my kids and husband. I still think, "So what?", aren't we supposed to celebrate loving our families, friends and neighbors everyday? I know, I know, Valentine's Day is a good reminder. Just seems like the day puts undo pressure on single, married and dating humans across the nation! 

Love What You Wear!

But really, enough about the big hearts twirling over our heads today (ala Pepe Le Pew). So what about what you wear? Who cares about that? Whoa! No one said it was okay to be laissez faire about that! I am here to remind you that it's nice to match your outsides with your insides. All of you are fabulous (I know because you're reading my blog) so make sure what you portray on the outside is equally fabulous. Not fabulous like a cookie cutter fabulous. The fabulous YOU!  No one says you have to follow a certain set of rules to look great. Part of dressing well is dressing like yourself. Well, that is if that doesn't include mom jeans, frumpy shoes and...you get the drift- I guess there are some rules!

So what! It's Valentine's Day- not such a big deal. So what! It DOES matter what you wear! When you care about what you wear and it shows You'll Love What You Wear!

Color My World

Color your world this
winter, spring and summer!

Remember when the band Chicago wasn't led by the schmaltzy Peter Cetera? Way back in 1970 Chicago, led by the now deceased Terry Kath sang the lovely "Color My World". These beautiful Seattle sunny days have got me thinking how to color my wardrobe not only for spring but for the more common gloomy Seattle days (I'm sorry I had to remind you that they will come back).

I can't stop envisioning how the colored jean will make spring like a walking bouquet! Since this is really the second strong year for colored jeans the good news is they are now available at all price points- from Target and H&M to Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

Some have suggested that colored jeans may have an age limit. While the neon varieties definitely scream, "I am a teenager" the more mellow deep reds and jewel tones whisper, "I am an on-trend adult". So go ahead fashion forward adults, pick a color (almost) any color. Wear them now to brighten the winter and through the spring and summer (perhaps roll the hem once or twice), adding your color to the walking bouquet.

When you color your world with colored jeans you'll Love What You Wear!

Black

Pippa's pops of blue brighten an
otherwise humdrum black outfit

Black is the most classic and worn color and the title of local band, Pearl Jam's 1991 tune. We West Seattlelites spend a good amount of time discussing where Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder lives, how we saw him at the grocery store, etc. But finding Eddie Vedder in a sea of people dressed in black, well that's easier said than done.

So what's wrong with wearing black? Well, nothing, sort of. Many of us have a multitude of black garments occupying our closets. And, let's face it, black is pretty darn easy to put together and doesn't require a lot of thought. If you are someone who has LOTS of black clothing, however, it is time to make some changes. A great way to make your black, well, less black is to have brightly patterned scarves to throw on so the black isn't always dragging that lovely face of yours down. A colored jacket or cardigan, necklaces, bracelets,  and earrings, also help with breaking up the color of night.

So next time you grab your favorite black top remember to add a little personality and color to your basic canvas. You'll be surprised how it puts a little sunshine in these winter days and a spring in your step. While Eddie Vedder would look good in a burlap sack, we mere mortals have to be a bit more discerning!

Brighten your day with colorful accessories to take the edge off black and you'll Love What You Wear!

Fat Bottomed Girls (Make the Rockin' World Go Round)

Not such a fat bottomed
girl but what a great jean fit!

Everybody remembers the "Fat Bottomed Girls" song. Queen released this unconventional diddy in 1978 and though you may not remember that year well most can recall the chorus to this tune. When I hear this song I'm always reminded that indeed fat bottomed girls do make the rockin' world go round as well as skinny bottomed girls and every kind of bottom in-between.

We can all agree that it takes bottoms of all shapes and sizes to assist in the rocking of our world. The question is how does one find jeans for these bottoms? Let's face it, shopping for jeans can rival the pleasurable experience of shopping for a swimsuit.

Some things to remember when searching for jeans to rock your world and your bottom:

1. Only buy jeans that are sized with even numbers. Sizes like 10, 12, etc. are made for women. Odd sized jeans are made for juniors and will often leave a gap in the back as they're not made for the curves of a woman. 
2. Make sure the hem of your jean hits just above the bottom of your shoe heel. Buy your jeans a bit long, allowing for an eighth to a quarter inch of shrinkage in the length.
3. Dark wash jeans are the most slenderizing. Lots of streaking and whiskering can be unflattering as well as age inappropriate for the 35+ crowd.
4. Snug fitting jeans are a must! The lycra found in most jeans today provides comfort but can lead to a saggy bottom, which does not make the rockin' world go round. Buying jeans that are too big is one of the most common mistakes- snug is key!
5. You have to kiss a lot of jean frogs before you meet your jean prince. Be patient and keep trying. There is a jean out there that can make your bottom rock!

No matter the size of your bottom, there is a jean for you. When you find the one that rocks you'll Love What You Wear!

Self Conscious Girls

Wearing her unconventional
locks with confidence!

Listen to the sweet song "Self Conscious Girls" by Winston Drei Tod. It is a gentle reminder for the stronger but more self conscious gender to "Just let your colors show and bask in the light of the sun". Oh, but sometimes it's kinda scary to let our colors show, sometimes we don't even like our own colors how can we expect someone else to?

In my old age I have become much less self conscious, not because I've somehow lost my myriad of flaws, in fact they're more pronounced than ever. But short of bankrupting my family with plastic surgery bills I decided long ago to embrace me- flaws and all. I gradually said goodbye to the teen angst and (mostly) accepted all there is to accept.

Then I got a REALLY short haircut this week. I love short hair, I even love my new super short haircut but I spiraled back to the self conscious girl in a hot minute. What would people say? Is it not feminine enough? Boys hate short hair! I thought I'd look a lot more like Michelle Williams or Halle Berry (okay, that was a stretch), what happened? Ugh! 

As I fell into my teen abyss it made me think of all the reasons we are self conscious- our weight, that zit that appears at just the wrong time, small boobs, big boobs, straight hair, curly hair, and the list goes on. Worrying about our appearance is a tangled web with lots of gray area. One has to be some what self conscious otherwise we'd fall into the psychopathic category. When I find myself stressing about what people will think of my shorn hair I am reminded that people have REAL problems and I feel guilty. I then think of how important it is to be confident so that we can be a productive member of society. It's a tight rope- we want to look good and feel good but not be so self conscious that we're paralyzed.

I like to think of my job as a confidence builder as well as a stylist. I love to help the self conscious girl take a backseat to the self confident girl! Take a break from worrying about what others think- Just let your colors show and bask in the light of the sun and you'll Love What You Wear!

Change of Seasons

This dress can definitely
 change with the seasons!

The very catchy tune "Change of Seasons" was released by Sweet Thing in 2010- check it out. And when you're finished with that check out your closet. There are so many things in your wardrobe that can easily change with the seasons.

Seattle is the perfect place for extending your wardrobe seasonally. While bulky wool sweaters are for winter only a fine gauge merino wool sweater translates well through three seasons, and let's face it, probably four in this town. A merino wool cardigan is perfect for a Seattle summer evening and works equally well layered with a t-shirt and scarf in the fall and winter. How about a simple knit dress? It pairs with tights, boots, scarf and a jacket in winter then perfectly with sandals and a long necklace in summer.

While fabrics like linen and boiled wool are not season crossers there are so many materials and styles that are. When you extend your clothing through the change of seasons you'll dress creatively, save time and money and you'll Love What You Wear!

Come Next Spring

LBD with a peplum twist-
perfect for spring!

In 1956 Tony Bennett sang "Come Next Spring". That was a long time ago and it seems like the last time we saw spring was a long time ago as well. But we know (or at least we're pretty sure) that spring will indeed come again. As we dream of warm breezes and digging into our spring wardrobe there are many trends to consider. Get ahead of the game and look to your warm weather wear to see if you already own pieces that correlate with these 2012 spring trends:

1. Put a Bird on it- Yep, the bird is still alive and well. Spring promises to deliver more of our fine feathered friends on blouses, skirts and dresses. If you see a bird flying in your closet, make sure you save it!
2. Show your midriff- Nooooooooo. This is so scary. Don't kill the messenger but the call is for midriff style tops and dresses that show this body part usually associated with self-loathing. You know if you can do this and you certainly know if you can't!
3. Get peppy with Peplum- Quite the opposite from midriff styles this trend seems to come and go and now it's baaaaack. There are super exaggerated peplum styles on jackets, dresses and skirts and more subtle versions.
4. Color, pattern and texture, oh my- Pastels, bold prints, color blocking, stripes, metallics,  digital image prints and lace are all in the spring mix. Pretty much anything goes!
5. Drop waist- Look for dresses and tops with this style as well as low slung belts to wear with tunics and dresses that give the same drop waist effect.

Keep these trends in mind when you are shopping in your own closet or making a new investment for Spring. When you do you'll Love What You Wear!

Hang It Up

Hanging it up can serve
 as decorative flair! 

The tune "Hang It Up" will be released on the British duo Ting Ting's second album sometime in the spring of 2012. A fun, if not exceedingly simple tune, worth a listen.. And while we're on the subject of hanging it up- why don't you?

Yes, it's time to hang up all those necklaces and scarves that are sitting in dusty jewelry boxes, stuffed in unorganized drawers, or worse yet, lost in the back of a dark closet or dresser somewhere. Since accessories are really what separates you from your neighbor it's time to get them out in the open and tangle-free so they're easy to access. The good news is that there are lots of low cost solutions to hanging it up! You can use something as inexpensive as a key or tie hanger. Take a field trip to IKEA and find this option for scarf hanging and this for hanging necklaces. You might even have something floating around your home right now that would do the trick.

Don't let your accessories be out of sight and out of mind. Hang it up and you'll see all your lovely choices each day and Love What You Wear!

You Wear It Well

You'd wear this well!
But it would be more fun to
 wear this top in  a cool pattern
 or color or layered with a
colored cami and jacket.

Rod Stewart sang "You Wear It Well" in 1972. As far as I can ascertain from childhood photos I was wearing handmade polyester jumpers in '72. Not so sure anyone can wear that well! I'm sure you've come a long way with your style since 1972 (well, many of you weren't even born yet!). Now that it's 2012, what are you wearing well?

Most of us are attracted to a certain silhouette, something we tend to purchase over and over again. Perhaps in different colors or patterns but similar lines. If it's not a specific silhouette we're drawn to, it is often a color we seek over and over again. I'm here to report those colors are often grey and black from the closets I've seen. What if we are just purchasing these items out of habit and we don't actually wear it so well after all? Or maybe we do wear it well but there are lots of other styles and colors we could wear well? Since it's a new year, why not try out some new colors and silhouettes? Do some experimenting- take a friend shopping with you and ask the ultimate style question, "do I wear this well?".  You may be surprised by the answer.

Whether it's what you own or what you'll be buying, wear it well in 2012 when you take a fresh approach to dressing. When you do You'll Love What You Wear!

Let The Sunshine In

Be a sun manufacturing plant!

It was 1969 and The Fifth Dimension released the tune "Let The Sunshine In". I remember how my oldest sister would play this 45 over and over. At the risk of waxing poetic about the past it brings me back to simpler times- bell bottoms and the beautiful long dark hair my sister sported- man, did I think she was cool! But I digress (as usual). This is the time of year where we not only have to let the sunshine in, if we can find it, we need to manufacture a little sunshine of our own!

How can you become a sun manufacturing plant you may ask? Obviously there are many ways. I, however will be concentrating on how you can achieve sunshine through your wardrobe! It is tough to get excited about getting dressed in the morning when it's dark, often wet and chilly. As a friend once told me (and I found it irritating) "turn that frown upside down"- ugh! But the truth hurts, doesn't it? One way to create a little sunshine this winter is to feel happy and confident when we leave the house each morning. So make sure your closet is full of things that make you feel good and help you hold your head up high in the rain. A fabulous pair of boots a warm and pretty sweater, your favorite wool pants or jeans. It all helps your mood stay high and the winter fly by. Okay, maybe not fly, but you get the point.

Pull some sunshine out of your closet each day and You'll Love What You Wear!

Shake It Out

All Good stuff!

Forgive me for this obvious post . You knew it was coming. I knew it was coming and you knew that I knew it was coming and well, now it's here. Even Florence + the Machine knew it was coming. They knew earlier though, when they released "Shake It Out" in 2011 (love this song!). Oh, remember 2011? Soooo long ago. Now that it's 2012 it is indeed time to shake it out! As in take your closet, turn it upside down and shake it out.

There's good stuff in that closet of yours, trust me. There's also bad stuff in that closet of yours. After you shake it out only put the good stuff back in. And if you don't know the good stuff from the bad stuff or don't know what to wear with the good stuff, you know who to call. And here's a hint- it's not ghost busters!

Shake it out people, leave the bad behind, and you'll Love What You Wear!