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!