2011 Style Resolutions…You Can Do It!

Ignore the naysayers.  In my book resolutions are essential for challenging ourselves to do and try new things.  To be better people.  To enjoy life and be happy.

When you responded with your style resolutions, it was clear that you get it.  Here are your style resolutions, mixed in with a few others from Twitter, and ideas for how to attain them.

My style resolution: Make sure things fit better before you buy them! Accent what’s good on me!

First, make time to try before you buy…it will save you time when you don’t have to dig for the receipt, drive to the store and stand in line to return.

When trying clothing on, ask yourself a few questions:

• Does the color look good on me?  Matching to your eye color will always flatter you.
• Is this accentuating the things I like about myself?  For example, if you like your legs, wear dresses and skirts.
• Do the clothes fit my shape?  Clothing doesn’t do you any good if it’s snug or big.
• Will this go with other things in my closet?  If you already have something similar, consider finding a more unique item.

Another fashion resolution! Find a bra, and a pair of jeans, that actually fit correctly!

Bras are essential, especially if your weight has changed.  It’s ideal to get fitted and replace bras about every six months.  Promise that you will do it at least once a year.  I recommend investing in a good brand at Nordstrom or Macy’s and the fittings there are free.

As for jeans, focus less on the brand name and more on fit and quality.  Smart brands like Levi’s are starting to pay attention to women’s shapes so take advantage of this.  It should mean less dressing room time.  And one last thing.  A dark-wash straight-leg no-frills jean will look great on anyone – man or woman.

Cleaning my closet more frequently.

Do this twice a year – from warm to cold weather and cold to warm weather – and you’re set.  Incorporate a nice set of uniform hangers and your closet will go from “ugh” to “wow” instantly.

If you aren’t wearing something, get it out of your closet.  Sell, donate or give it away.  If your closet speaks to you, it will thank you.

Taking the time to accessorize more.

Accessories make a huge difference in personalizing outfits and expressing yourself.  Buy two or three necklaces that really speak to you and you will want to wear them every day.  If you are not sure how to match things, opt for metallic or something classic like pearls.  One casual necklace and one dressy necklace is a great foundation to dress up your outfits.

No trashy jewelry. I’d rather have one nice piece of jewelry than 10 junky pieces.

This is a great resolution and even better advice.  In many cases, cheap jewelry looks cheap.  That said, I find a lot of great jewelry at ridiculous prices so use a discerning eye and taste level – especially when you go into a store with temptingly low prices.

My new year resolution no.4 No need to keep up with fashion, stick with personal style.

Bingo.  Do this.

New Year Resolution #1: Style improvement starting with wardrobe overhaul today!

If you groan every time you look in your closet, time’s a wasting.  You can change this.  If you like nice things but your budget is tight, try consignment.  I just found a suede skirt in perfect condition for $26.  If you have the money but lack the inspiration and/or time, hire a professional.  Make a commitment, then make the change happen.

Fabuliss’ Style Resolution

At my Grandma Noud’s funeral, the priest said my grandma’s motto was along the lines of always look your best, be your best and do your best.  This is on constant replay in my mind as an inspiration and motivation.

Happy 2011 and cheers to a great year of being you!

{ Fabuliss helps you earn confidence and respect by teaching you how to communicate with style. Closets, shopping, tools, parties, remote.  Fabuliss.com or 612-554-4629 }

Now accepting Visa, Mastercard & Discover.

How to Give a Fabuliss Gift…Without Offending

{ Fabuliss & Buh-Bye-Black BFF }

How lucky are we to have people in our lives who often know us better than ourselves?  I will never forget a great friend (pictured above with me in 1990-something) who helped me realize that the only thing that made it into the dressing room with me was the color black.  Sadly I even wore it to her wedding.

Today, I am thrilled to be helping clients identify these types of challenges, along with changes that have a huge impact on personal communications and careers.

{ Fabuliss Holiday Gift Certificate }

If you are thinking about giving the gift of a Fabuliss package or gift certificate, here are a few ideas in terms of how to think and talk about it.

1. Determine readiness for change.  Typically clients contact Fabuliss when they are ready to make a change.  They may be experiencing life changes, career changes or they have decided enough is enough.
2. Gauge readiness to invest in themselves. If the person you have in mind is open to change, this could be a great time to prioritize themselves.  Keep in mind this is a personal, one-on-one experience and some people may not be ready for this type of attention.
3. Identify a Fabuliss package. There are a few types of packages to choose from or we can create a custom package that addresses specific needs.

• Is this person in need of a complete makeover?  If yes, a great place to start is the closet where we can use existing clothing as a learning tool.
• Is the person in need of confidence?  Style tools like a Color Analysis and Fit & Style guide can make anyone a savvy shopper.
• Does the person have a big event coming up?  A personal shopping appointment will ensure a gift that fits & flatters.

Surprise! Once your recipient opens the gift, talk about it as a gift of COURAGE { try something new }, CONFIDENCE { knowledge=power } & COMPLIMENTS { people WILL notice }.

If you have additional questions about gift giving, feel free to call, email or tweet.

Holiday 2010 Special: Purchase a gift certificate before 12/24/2010 and get $50 towards a future package or save $25 instantly.  Free gift box and standard shipping with purchase.

{ Fabuliss helps women and men learn how to create and shop for outfits that align with their personal brand.  Personal Shopping.  Closet Reviews.  Color and Fit & Style Analysis.  Style Parties.  Remote Styling.  Fabuliss.com or 612-554-4629 }

Now accepting Visa, Mastercard & Discover.

Notched, Split, Jewel or V…Collars & Necklines That Work for Me

 

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There is an abundance of collar types and necklines that work with different neck lengths, face shapes and shoulders.

The standard convertible collar is the most flattering collar and the v-neck is the most flattering neckline.  Despite this, retailers love to sell all kinds of collars and crewnecks.

Let’s look at several examples based on some things in my closet:

1. The fine-knit cotton cardigan is a v-neck and the silk shell is a split neck.  The weight of the sweater combined with being a dark color and left open slims while framing my face.  A split neck adds length and keeps my neck and face open.
2. The fine-knit wool cardigan is like a lapel-less jacket and is paired with a draped cowl neck poly blend shell.  The lower neckline creates an even more flattering look for my face and neck and the dark colors frame my face because they match the contrast of my hair.
3. A notched lapel on a jacket is one of my best collars and I paired it with a medium jewel neck that is lower than a crewneck.  This combination is an excellent combination for semi-professional look.  This collar style and shell combination would also work as a suit.
4. The notched lapel on a leather jacket works great paired with the draped cowl neck shell and provides a great opening for a chunky statement necklace.  The lapels on this jacket are wider than the denim and are proportionate with my frame.
5. While the convertible collar is universally flattering it’s slightly tougher to pull off when it’s a stiff fabric like this corduroy.  It’s made more challenging when paired with a chunky necklace.  While it frames my face well, it does not do much for my neck.
6. Try to forget that this golden yellow color doesn’t work with my hair and eyes and focus on the notched collar.  This is a different variation but it works great.  The larger top lapel combined with a smaller bottom lapel as well as a fitted sleeve and bust are great for my silhouette.

Get personalized information about what styles are best for you – from collars and necklines to dresses and pants with a Style Tools package from Fabuliss.

{ Fabuliss helps women and men learn how to create and shop for outfits that align with their personal brand.  Color, fit, closets and shopping.  Fabuliss.com or 612-554-4629 }