Black Brown and Beige

These black/brown combos
 are as well composed as a
Duke Ellington tune!

Well, what a handy song title. "Black Brown and Beige" was written by Duke Ellington in 1943. It refers to a very heavy subject. I, however, would like to discuss something not so heavy. When I'm not busy strategizing my world peace plan I ponder the age old question, "do black and brown really go together?"

The answer is a resounding YES! I believe the people who combine these two colors are the clever fashionistas among us. Those black boots can easily be mixed with brown elements in other parts of your outfit and vice versa. The less matchy, matchy your outfit the more interesting it is and shows your creativity.

That's right folks- dressing is a bit of an art form. You are a walking canvas so start painting and don't be afraid to mix your black, brown and beige. When you do you'll Love What You Wear!

A Fool For Your Stockings

Yes, it's true, "A Fool For Your Stockings" is really a song. Really. It was the B-side of ZZ Top's hit single "Legs" released in 1984. Although "A Fool For your Stockings" is not a well known tune, the cool stockings and patterned tights available today are definitely an accessory for which you should be in tune!

Don't be a fool, decorate your legs!

Having a few pair of patterned hose and/or tights can add flair to your wardrobe. Do you have a great solid colored dress or skirt? Add some funky leg wear to the mix with your favorite boots/booties or heels and suddenly your otherwise blah outfit shows personality.

Virtually all colors and patterns are fair game. If, however, you are new to the funky stockings game you may want to begin with black or gray and get more colorful as your comfort level builds.

Go ahead- decorate those legs, you never know who will be a fool for your stockings and You'll Love What You Wear!

Lost In My Mind

The boot that currently has me
"Lost In My Mind"

Ooh, I really love this song. "Lost In My Mind" was released this year by a Seattle band called The Head and The Heart. A great tune that's part of a very cool album- check it out.

There are so many ways I get lost in my mind. There's the really important things that find me mulling and there are the less serious things that get me thinking. As you might imagine I get lost in my mind thinking about my next great boot purchase. There's always room for another pair of boots in the closet (well, not really, but I'm always willing to make room). My husband often wonders why another pair? It's difficult for him to understand the many ways boots can be worn- with jeans, leggings, skirts, dresses. Then there are the various types of jeans, leggings, skirts and dresses that add even further complication and, quite frankly, the NEED (okay, want) for more boots!

I have happily possessed many of the boots in my closet for years and they are still in high rotation. A good pair will last nearly a lifetime. If there's an area of your wardrobe where a splurge is in order it's for a quality pair of boots.

Get lost in your mind dwelling on your next boot find. Sport them all fall, winter and spring and You'll Love What You Wear!

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!