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!

Good Life

Good Life!

This Thanksgiving week I'd like to take a break from the fashion musings normally found here for a heart check rather than the usual boot or scarf check. As I heard the song "Good Life" today, released almost exactly a year ago in 2010 by New Republic, I couldn't help but think about what "Good Life" means as we head into the holiday season.

I know we're all grateful for the Good Life. I also know how we can lose sight of the things that make our lives great. Living in the Pacific Northwest is high on the list of things to be thankful for. What an amazing place- even if the weather can be less than stellar it sure creates majestic scenery. Oh, and how about all the boots and scarves we get to wear when the inclimate weather is upon us? Oh, but there I go digressing onto fashion...

How about the fantastic families we come from? And the families we've made? I consider my family not only my husband and kids but also the friends that make our family better than it would be otherwise. Having a roof overhead with heat and a bed to sleep in- all worthy basics we take for granted. Now's the time to remember how fortunate we are.

So cheers to the Good Life! For great families, good friends, yummy food and celebrations. So many reasons to be thankful. Take the time this week to concentrate on the things that make you happy and leave the rest for next week. And, while we're at it, we might as well wear something cute (and expandable) this Thanksgiving. Love What You Wear (and be thankful!).

One Love

This is the kind of love that
stands the test of time!

Don't hate me because I'm about to talk about a Pat Benatar song! Back in 1988 the song "One Love" was a vinyl release on Pat Benatar's "Wide Awake in Dreamland" album. Bear with me. Listen to this song! And while we're on the subject, what is your closet One Love? Okay, maybe not one love but the thing you can't live without? Is it your favorite boots, jacket, belt or scarf? Please don't say it's your sweats!

We all have that closet One Love, and we don't necessarily have to get rid of it, even if we've had it awhile. After all, long term relationships should be celebrated! What you should think about is how you can put a spin on your One Love item. If it's a jacket, perhaps it's time to roll up the sleeves if you haven't done that before or think of different tops or dresses to put beneath it. Have you worn it with a skirt in the past? Maybe that's just the combination needed to freshen things up. How about your favorite boots? Do you just wear them with jeans? I bet they'd look great with a dress that's hanging in your closet, perhaps making the dress more casual for a Seattle style date night?

Just like the one love in your life, the one love in your closet needs some attention and perhaps a new perspective. Think about it. Take care of your closet One Love and You'll Love What You Wear!