Roll With It

The rolled up sleeve on this

dress creates a more hip, modern look

compared with the unrolled sleeve

It was 1995 and one of my favorite albums ever was released. The album was "(What's the Story) Morning Glory" by Oasis. If CD's weren't so durable my copy would surely have worn out! One of the great songs on the album was "Roll With It". As I was dressing this morning for the musical we call life, I couldn't help but hum "Roll With It" while rolling up my sleeves...

So, what about rolling up sleeves? I've been finding that a little sleeve rolling on jackets, woven shirts and dresses can create a better look. Often times a more modern appearance comes to fruition by "rolling with it". I have a chambray dress that I couldn't quite make work and voila after adding a cool belt and rolling up the sleeves- delightful!

Before you get rid of a jacket, top or dress you're on the fence about, roll with it and see where it takes you. It's worth a try and chances are it will help you Love What you Wear!

Made to be Broken

We've got to go back to the heyday for this one- well at least my heday! In 1986 Soul Asylum released "Made to be Broken". I suppose a lot of my peers (not me of course) were living by the adage that rules were made to be broken back in '86! When it comes to fashion are rules made to be broken or followed? I'm thinking there's not even a rule for the rules!

What's that rule about not wearing horizontal
stripes? These stripes are definitely working for her!

As several lovely ladies and myself spent the evening sipping and styling at a Style Cents party last evening the idea of fashion rules came up a lot. "What's the rule for this?", "What's the rule for that?". While there are some pretty hard and fast rules in fashion- no denim on denim, only wear linen in the summer, etc.- a large part of fashion is knowing what works for you. While a tall, slim friend of yours looks great in a turtle neck, you as a short, big busted woman do not. At the end of the day the rule is wear things that look good on you and stay away from things that don't. So that's easy, right? Well, not for everyone. Some people have a more aesthetically honed eye than others. If you don't feel comfortable making fashion choices, enlist the help of friends (or Style Cents!). The magic is knowing if you have "the eye" or not. But whatever you choose to wear make sure it fits well and reflects who you are- those are the most important rules!

Find that sweet spot of knowing when to follow the rules and when to break them. Then find a good fashion mentor and you'll Love What You Wear!

Afternoon Delight

Ha! I've got your attention now. Perhaps you recall the 1976 hit "Afternoon Delight" and your mom suggesting (or demanding!) that the radio be turned off. While the Starland Vocal Band wasn't singing about anything close to thrift shopping that is the afternoon delight I am suggesting you partake in this summer. Play hooky some weekday or weekend afternoon while you should be working at the office or home. Grab a couple of adventurous shopping buddies and hit the streets!

My favorite thrift store- Frenzi in Burien. 

You never know what you'll find on your thrifting adventure. I know many thrifting converts who were initially apprehensive but now delighted with the process. It can be an acquired taste but sometimes a necessity in this economy.

Here's the plan. Find a general area where you can hit two or three stores. If the first doesn't provide you with the delights you're looking for you'll need plan b and c so your afternoon isn't a bust. Whether you head to Burien, Ballard or Bellevue, do your homework and plot your course. Remember, don't buy it just because it's inexpensive. Seattle home closet space is usually a fraction of what we long for so be choosey about how to fill that precious real estate. At the same time don't let the dingy environment cloud your vision of the treasure you may be holding in your hand. And once you find your favorite haunt(s) check back often.

When your afternoon is full of fashion, fun and frugality you'll Love What You Wear (and be delighted)!

White Wedding

 Look Mom, "no bra!"

We all remember Billy Idol's hit in 1982- "White Wedding". Funny thing about weddings- they aren't always so white anymore. I love how pretty much anything goes. Any colors, any venue, anytime! But one thing has remained the same, everyone at weddings, from the bride and groom to all the guests, wants to look fantastic.

If you're going to be in a wedding, at a wedding or attempting to crash a wedding this summer make sure you have Hollywood Fashion Tape on hand. This tape can fix most any problem. Have a bra that slips away from your dress strap or a neckline that skims the top of your bra a bit too close? This tape will help keep your bra hidden away. It's also great for asymmetrical and strapless style dresses, making sure the dress is secured to your bra so it doesn't show. Remember that guests have come to see the bride and groom at the wedding, not your bra!

The next wedding you attend may not be a White Wedding but make sure it's not a Janet Jackson Super  Bowl experience either. Have your Hollywood Fashion Tape on hand and You'll Love What You Wear!

Firework

Oh, what a timely tune. Katy Perry's addictive song  "Firework" is a reminder to all to look hot at your 4th of July shindig! So what can you do to look festive without wearing a flag t-shirt or a sweatshirt with an appliqued fireworks show? Oh, I know you'd never do that but I couldn't resist. Kind of an ode to the "holiday dresser" we've all known.

A rare example of incorporating ALL
the holiday colors that works!

Obviously wearing red, white and blue isn't necessary but it is kind of fun to incorporate one or two of the colors for the day- why not? It only happens once a year after all. Using red sparingly can be a very classy way to partake in the festive nature of the day. A light, summer scarf with lots of red or red shoes give a bit of holiday pop without overdoing it (never wear them together!). Pair the red shoes OR the red scarf with a chambray top and you're in!  The nautical navy and white striped look would be a perfect thing to pull out on the 4th as well. Throw on some white bermuda shorts and voila- Happy 4th of July!

Find your firework outfit this year and make sure to keep it subtle. When you do you'll Love What You Wear!

Summertime!

You can start your summertime
look with this $35 dress
from Old Navy

Oh, yes...we all remember DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince's big hit in 1991- Summertime! And summertime is coming. It's officially here tomorrow. Summertime is a chance for you to take on a fresh fashion perspective. I'm not suggesting you follow the Fresh Prince's fashion lead but something fresh for YOU.

Have you always wanted to wear white pants but feared them? There's a pair for you! Want to sport a fun and flirty summer frock? You can do it. Breakup the old shorts and t-shirt routine. As the season changes give your closet some changes too. There's no need to break the bank to get a fresh look going. Many of the items you have in your closet will mix right in. Head to Target or Old Navy for a summer dress and pair it with a cardigan you already own for those cool Seattle nights. Maybe your favorite consignment store has some summer nuggets waiting for you?

The sun is coming and it's time to ask WWLF? Hmmm...What Would Look Fresh on you this summer? Once you find your styling summertime sizzle You'll Love What You Wear!

Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes

These could be yours for
$69.95 (at Zappos)

I LOVE this song almost as much as I love shoes! The genius Paul Simon released "Diamonds on the Soles of her Shoes" in 1986. Feels like I've been looking for the perfect summer sandal since then! Oh, to find that diamond in the rough.

The biggest struggle with the summer sandal search is finding something that is versatile enough to wear with your bermuda shorts, skirts, crop pants and summer dresses. Where are they? What should you look for? Style Cents suggests the two to three inch wedge as a solid option for these reasons:

1. Comfortable

2. Versatile- can be dressed up or down

3. Many wedge styles to choose from

The big trend this year is the nude sandal- you just can't go wrong with a nude wedge. Perhaps you feel more comfortable in the more classic black or brown- that works too, of course. And the more brave among you can do a cool orange, yellow, hot pink or avocado green. Oh, how I admire the adventurous show wearer- kudos to you!
Shoe sales and coupons are everywhere! Check out endless.com, dsw.com, piperlime.com, zappos.com, shoebuy.com....and the list goes on and on! For brick and mortar options Style Cents loves West Seattle's Clementine Shoes as well as a good shoe odyssey at Marshall's and The Rack. Let the hunt commence!

This summer Love the Sandal You Wear!