Fashion at the Oscars

In case you missed it, last night was the 2010 Academy Awards at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. The Fashion Police are all over the internet today. While my blog isn’t about covering celebrity fashion, I couldn’t resist weighing in with my opinions.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Sandra Bullock: Love her, loved The Blind Side and thought she looked stunning last night. I couldn’t find too many things wrong with this one. I even liked the red lipstick contrary to other opinions. Penelope Cruz gets it right year after year and I am very partial to red!

Black/midnight blue dresses that didn’t get much press: Kristen Stewart—no necklace OR earrings?  Mariska Hargitay–Gorgeous

Most Improved from other Award Events: Meryl Streep and Tina Fey.  Still a B in my book.

Deeper Color Please! Queen Latifah and Jennifer Lopez. Both of these women can pull off much more intense and saturated colors. Both were a wow, could have been a WOW!

A+ for Helen Mirren and Cameron Diaz

Everyone is talking about: Vera Farmiga and Zoe Saldana  Way over the top in my opinion.

Not my favorites: Sarah Jessica Parker and Rachel McAdams

Did you have a favorite I missed?

Jeans: Finding Fit without Frustration

Thanks to all of you who entered the Giveaway! Congratulations to Heather, Comment #13 who won the GOLD and Stephanie, Comment #6 who won the RED!

I would dare say that finding the right jeans is one of the biggest shopping challenges we face as women. When I started blogging in November, I knew denim would be one of the first topics I covered. In an early post, I have promised it was coming, and even linked you to the infamous SNL Mom Jeans skit. Since then I have tried on dozens of pair of jeans. I’ve worked with women smaller and larger than myself to get a fair representation of what is out there. It’s taken some time to get the facts. Welcome to my series on denim!

To understand all the options, we first need to explore the cuts. For many years we have had boot-cut. At first, it seemed strange to go back to that wider leg.  However, paired with a higher heel or boot it became a popular, flattering look that personally I loved! Enter straight cut, skinny cut and factor in  the trouser jean that comes/goes and there are more options. In addition, the number of brands out on the marked has increased dramatically with a huge variance in price range.

To get a visual on the cuts follow this link on Banana Republic. It is the best way to see all 3 styles side/side. (We’ll discuss trouser jeans a bit later.) You can also view this video which offers more detail. What’s the best for your body type? Typically boot-cut covers a wide range of  body types. I disagree just a touch with their analysis because I do not think the knee is that tight on boot-cut and believe a wider leg can balance larger thighs.  Straight cut is a great possibility and is very flattering on many women. Some of you will rule out skinny. Don’t be too quick to do so until you have read all my articles. I will say that if your legs are short and a bit heavier, this will be more of a challenge. Want to change your look? Try a new style and brand of jeans.

It’s all in the rise: Many women were and still are upset over the lower rise jeans out there. At the beginning of this trend, stores often named their cuts of pants. For example we had the Marissa: Low rise, Cathy: Mid rise, Ann: High rise. It was a guide to choosing your preference quickly. Now with all the brands and cuts of jeans it is really difficult to know until you get them on. Some indicate rise, some do not. I’m pretty sure the term “muffin top” came about because of the low rise jeans. I do not need to paint a picture any further. I cringed when I heard the term for the first time as it described it TOO perfectly.

I prefer a mid-rise, 8-9 inches. When shopping for jeans, I recommend measuring the rise before even taking them into the dressing room. Granted, this is only ONE indicator. It will at least give you a starting point. ASK FOR HELP  to steer you to the right style and brand. This saves much time and frustration. Speaking from experience there is nothing worse than pulling on a pair of jeans in the dressing room and barely being able to get them up to mid-thigh! Have questions? Let’s start the discussion! (if this post comes directly to your e-mail, click on the title of the article which brings you to the site. To make a comment click on share thoughts/comments in upper right corner of article)

Up Next: Evaluating fit, brands/price and fabric content!

Lia Sophia Jewelry Giveaway

One of the best aspects of having your own business is meeting some dynamic women. I am partnering with many of them in the upcoming months to promote their businesses. Starting with jewelry, I’d like to introduce Kym Merrick of Lia Sophia Jewelry. Check out this site to learn a little more about Kym and view the entire catalog online.

I love Lia Sophia jewelry! Great selection, great price point, versatility AND specials. Their line features gold and silver pieces. I like gold with warm colors and silver tones with cool colors. I can personally speak to the amazing hostess benefits as I received many free/discounted pieces this past summer. I also appreciate the Ongoing Special: Purchase 2 pieces at regular price and receive 1 HALF price. The half price item can be the most expensive piece.(who does that?) March Special: Buy 2 at regular price, get any 1 half off plus 3 additional necklaces at half price.Your most expensive items are ALWAYS your half off items! And if you do not like what you ordered–exchange or return is easy!

Kym and I also tag team at some of her jewelry parties. Want to host a jewelry party with a twist? If you would like to have Kym and I do a joint Lia Sophia/What to Wear show Contact me. Let us show you how to accessorize. Some Lia Sophia long necklaces can even be worn as a belt!

These photos show the versatility Lia Sophia designs offer. It’s one of my favorites. I’m showing 4 different ways to wear the same necklace. It is the perfect complement with neutral tones of clothing.

Now on to the Giveaway! View #1 shows closeup version my camera did not capture. View #2 shows length.

1. I wear this one all the time. The cord is made up of brown and black strands which increases the versatility. The pendant slides off which allows you to use the cord for other pendants. I wear the necklace with these earrings 54D

2. There is nothing like red to give a rather dull outfit some color. Red looks great with black,  khaki or denim. Try these earrings 41G

There will be TWO winners. To qualify, comment (link is at top of article) and specify if you want 1.Gold 2. Red or both and I’ll enter you accordingly.

CONTEST ends Friday 3-5-10 at NOON PST.

Don’t forget to take a peek at the Lia Sophia catalog! Please note, the items to be given away are LTD pieces from last year and not available in the spring catalog.

It’s All About the Bling!

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It’s no secret that I love jewelry. I find it to be one of the best ways to give a boring outfit some pizzazz! My motto has become: Jewelry makes an ordinary outfit extraordinary. I definitely meet women on both ends of the spectrum–jewelry lovers and minimalists. There doesn’t seem to be many in the middle. Some say it’s just out of their “comfort zone.” I would say that adding different types of jewelry has significantly changed my look over the years. I went through the stage when my children were young that it was not practical to wear much jewelry. That style stuck with me for quite some time. I wore very simple, almost dainty necklaces and earrings.

About six years ago, I started receiving many compliments on what I wore and how I put things together. I started helping friends shop. It was the springboard for starting this business. I believe some of those compliments were a result of my jewelry. Back then, I definitely had the “matchy matchy” syndrome going on, but my pieces made more of a statement and people noticed.

One of the best way to take the eye away from flaws we all have is to bring the eye AWAY from the flaw (hips, middle) and to the face. Jewelry does that. A large, beautiful bracelet calls attention to the wrist and away from the upper arm which is another problem area.  In the photos below I have noted the source of the piece if it is still available. If you love something that is not available, I can help you find a similar item.

Finding your Focal Point. Many women feel too conspicuous with jewelry because they’ve seen it overdone. If you make a statement with your necklace, keep the earrings more subdued. Love big earrings? Go for it, but keep the necklace smaller. If your focal point is your bracelets, then necklace and earrings should be smaller. Love it all to match? Try to stay away from exact matches, but mix pieces with the same tones, similar color families etc. Non-exact matches add interest! Still not comfortable? Start with one area or a medium sized piece and work your way up. Below are examples of what may be considered statement pieces. They could be considered medium sized depending on your comfort zone.

View 3: Lia Sophia

Elongate: You will hear me say this over and over. Two quick ways to elongate your body and help you look thinner–V-necks and LONG necklaces. Fortunately long is in!

View 2 Target: View 3: Lia Sophia

Layering: If you still have smaller pieces and want to get some use out of them, layer with larger pieces. This really catches attention and makes an outfit come to life. It’s fun to think of different combinations. The first photo is an example of the tiny pieces I wore previously. I still love them, but now they can be worn in a different way. These combinations also emphasize elongation!

View 2: Long Necklace: Lia Sophia 

Things have been a little quiet with the comments. It makes it a lot more fun to hear your opinions so go ahead and weigh in on the bling! Would love to hear if your jewelry style has changed over the years.

Coming on Tuesday: Lia Sophia Jewelry Giveaway!  Subscribe so you don’t miss any great Giveaways.

Spring Fling

We’ve been having warm weather in the Pacific Northwest. This is rare for the month of February. Everywhere you go, people are talking about the weather. In this area, we know the rain will be back, so we have to enjoy it while we can. On Saturday I was on the south side of Portland working with a new client. After the appointment, I decided to take advantage of  being in the area and stop at Bridgeport Village, a nice group of stores I love. It’s an outdoor mall and because the weather was nice–everyone was out. I was in the mood for spring clothes and others appeared to be as well! I had a great time shopping for the next Snapshot photo shoot. I also wanted to take advantage of going to some different stores that I don’t get to on a regular basis.

I thought it would be a great idea to take my own challenge of going to three different stores. It is not easy to find stores I’ve never been in. However, I too get in a rut and sometimes stop going in a place if I don’t see a thing I like. My goal–stores I haven’t purchased something at in over a year.

First stop: J Crew They had a great selection of embellished tees and tops with lots of detail that give a typical tank or tee a little more visual interest. These make a great combination with a cardigan.

Next stop: Urban Outfitters Not my style, but part of the challenge was to go somewhere different. I was quite surprised. I found three things I really liked.

Third stop: Anthropologie I really enjoy this store, but it is a little out of my price range. We only have two locations in our area, and I do not go often enough to stay on top of the sales. I know this will change after this visit. I have to make it a habit to check in more frequently rather than just admiring online.

 Below are a few of the combinations I found. The pictures do not begin to do justice to all the pieces. I hope this will encourage you to venture out to someplace new!

Teal Wrap(front/back view): Urban Outfitters $48 Ruffled Tee: J Crew 29.50 Necklace 34.99

Boyfriend Cardigan: Urban Outfitters:$29  Scarf: J Crew 59.50 Tank 29.50

Cotton Blazer: Urban Outfitters $58 Embellished Tee $48

Ruffled Tee: J Crew: $45  Embellished Tee: $42.50

Floral top: $68 Sweater: $88 Anthropologie

Choosing the Right Stores

One tactic that will have an impact on “your look” will be changing up where you shop. In my last post on Personal Style, I encouraged you to try walking into three stores you have never entered. It’s very easy to get in a rut and get comfortable with the places you shop, especially if you are the type of person who likes familiarity. We get accustomed to a certain salesperson and the level of customer service. It’s hard to venture out. In the area I live, we only have two major department stores: Nordstrom and Macy’s. I shop them both. There are times I wish I lived in an area with more choices. We have five Nordstrom stores within a 30 mile radius and 3 Nordstrom Rack stores. I have acquaintances who believe I buy everything at Nordstrom. This is far from true. I actually enjoy putting together a look obtained from several stores and price ranges. It is not unusual for me to have pieces from a higher end boutique, The Rack, Nordstrom sale rack, Target, and E-bay–all in one outfit.

I think that Nordstrom has the reputation of being “expensive”. When working with women, I meet many who have never given the store a chance, and just aren’t sure they can afford it. While it is always the client’s choice, I like to start there to show some basic styles, quality fabrics, and have access to a variety of sizes. Over and over I have pleasantly surprised clients.(No, I am not employed at Nordstrom!)

So how do you know where to start? Don’t judge a store by conclusions you have drawn about price, age range, what you see in the window or the first few rounders. Last year I was introduced to the store Cache. I had always walked right past; I found two items I loved. Recently three different women have told me about their finds at Forever 21 when they were there shopping with their daughters. Who would have thought 40 something women could find an item there?

I try not to pay full price for anything, but there are times I do. If you try a new store with a higher price range, you may be tempted to walk out. Here is a little tip that may help. I always think about the CPW: Cost per Wear. This is a term used in magazines, and recently on What Not to Wear. Using this tool is a good way to determine whether or not it is a wise purchase. I put money in pieces I know I will wear over and over. How do you determine this? Good fabric, well constructed, great label, flattering style, coordinates with pieces in my closet are just a few factors that I use to make my decisions. Jackets, certain sweaters, novelty tops, jeans and shoes are things I will pay full price for. I love to find unique pieces at smaller boutiques that are not a “dime a dozen” and sometimes this requires paying more. Camis, tees, casual clothes, trendy pieces I may not wear more than 2 seasons are things I’m willing to skimp on. The goal is to find quality clothing at lower prices. When time or choices do not allow that, think CPW!

Check out the photos and see if you were correct in naming the store. Let me know if you venture into a new store and what you found! Remember, if you do not have a variety of stores near you, learn to become a savvy online shopper and your choices will greatly increase! I’m heading to different stores not mentioned here and will let you know what I find.

Photo Credits: J Jill, Ann Taylor Loft, Dillards

Help! I Want to Change My Style

It’s the desire of many women, yet they do not know where to start. At times “your style” or “your look” are used interchangeably. You may recall that styles can be categorized which helps to explain your individual taste. Your personal style expresses who you are and the image you want to present. When doing a client makeover and making suggestions for new clothing, I still want to stay true to her style as her clothing needs to reflect her personality, and it needs to fit her lifestyle.

If you want to change, it’s important that you are willing to try something new. Tweak your look by making a few subtle changes and your style will start to evolve. Starting slowly will be easier on you AND your wallet. In the last post about hairstyles the theme was REINVENT. My goal was to whet your appetite for what is to come. The following points are some ways to change your look slowly. I will cover each one in separate articles with more details/photos over the next weeks. Some articles will be combined with giveaways–jewelry and scarves to name a few!

1. Find a new Hairstyle.

2. Choose 2-3 colors you don’t usually wear. (I’ll guide you on this one)

3. Find ONE new trend you feel comfortable with and wear it!

4. Add an accessory that you do not typically wear. (bolder jewelry, brightly colored handbags, belts, scarves or stylish shoes)

5. Stop in 3 different stores you have NEVER walked into and find something that fits your personal style.

6. Find a new pair of jeans. (series planned)

7. Wear the right support garments.

8. Choose one clothing item you never wear and give it a  try. (skirts, un-tucked longer tops, jackets etc)

 My look has changed a great deal over the last 10-15 years. Of course much of that was dictated by hairstyles, fashion trends and aging! I would also go as far as to say that my PERSONAL STYLE  has changed as well. One component that influences our personal style is lifestyle. Being single in the 80’s I was quite CHIC & trendy (scarey I know!) with a touch of CLASSIC. Teacher by day, out with friends at night. In the 90’s: Pure CLASSIC. Teacher and mom. Many styles I was drawn to (suits and heels) were not practical. I still tried to incorporate things I loved, but this meant shedding my nice clothes the minute I got home! My jewelry went simple. (baby grab stage) When I quit teaching and worked a home based business, my lifestyle changed again and so did my clothing needs. I still loved dressing up but didn’t have the need to do so. For the next few years I purchased things that didn’t always match my lifestyle. If any of you have been through a career change, you understand completely. As my kids grew older, my style really evolved. I will share more specific personal examples as we go through the numbered suggestions above. How about you–can you relate to the following questions that affect your style? Please feel free to comment with your questions.

Has your personal style evolved over the years?

Does your career influence your style?

Are you a new mom struggling to be comfortable, practical and still look stylish?

Do you work in a very casual environment still longing to look professional?

Have you made the move into a new decade and wonder if you are dressing age-appropriate?

Reinvent Yourself: Hairstyles

Congratulations to Marsha, Comment #4, winner of the Redbook subscription!

I may be heading into a rather controversial topic: Hairstyles! I encourage you to think of your hair as one of your best accessories. There is no better way to give yourself a “new lease on life” than creating a new hairstyle. If you have had the very same hairstyle for five years or more, it may be time for a new look. I have been talking to my own personal stylist for months to gather this information to share.

The buzz word for 2010 seems to be REINVENT. However, it’s not as easy as it looks on paper or in the photos. Where do you start? I actually like changing my hair. When I look back over the years of photos I sometimes cringe, but I do believe my hair was always fairly current for that era. I am dating myself here–I recall the hairstyle I had when curling irons first came out. I had just gone from having long hair for several years to a much shorter style. Hairstylists did not have the layering technique down. (This came later with Farrah Fawcett) Oh, it was not good. Then came the “bi-level” in the 80’s. (see wedding photo) I am quite sure that looking at photos of old hairstyles is one of the best ways to bring on laughter. Below is a representation of my hair styles the last 20 years.

 

 

I have been blessed with fine, thin hair. I have been attempting to grow it out for two years. Growing out for me is going from a shorter VERY layered haircut to one with much longer layers. It’s a painstakingly slow process for hair like mine as it damages easily and has to be cut frequently. I’ve tolerated many bad hair days. Do you ever wonder how some women can suddenly have long hair and never seem to go through a bad stage? (I’m not referring to Kate Gosselin and other celebrities with extensions!)

How do you go about changing your hairstyle?

1. Ask your hair stylist for suggestions to match your hair texture AND face shape. These are key factors in choosing a new style.

2. Look for photos in magazines and show your stylist

3. If you see a style you like start a conversation and find out where she goes. If your camera phone is handy, take a photo. She will be flattered.

4. If you are tired of  long hair, do not make a drastic change if you want to go short. Go in stages. I’m NOT telling you to get your long hair cut. I realize the versatility it provides. Maybe cutting a few inches or adding layers will be all you need. I recently read that “collar bone length” is very flattering with most face shapes. Check out the virtual hairstyler. It should help you visualize a new you. If nothing else, it’s entertaining!

Hair Stylist Checklist

1. When you ask for a suggestion, is your stylist full of ideas or say that “you’re fine” with the style you’ve had for years. If it’s the latter, it’s a red flag to me. Great hair stylists want to help you change your look and are ready to take you through the stages of a grow out if necessary.

2. Is your hair stylist getting ongoing continuing education? Hair techniques and products are always changing. Make sure your stylist is current!

 3. Try a new stylist. I KNOW THIS IS DIFFICULT. Hair stylists become like family–they know us very well! A fresh perspective can be helpful.

4. If your hair is fine/thin is the stylist suggesting all the right products? If your hair is thick, coarse or curly there are products for you too. Advances in hair products have been amazing over the years. If your stylist is not texturizing your thick hair on a regular basis, you need to ask or find someone else. Thick or curly hair can be managed! Ask the right questions. If you do not get answers, make a change.

COLOR

If you are not quite brave enough to try a new style, what about a few highlights? Getting the right color is tough and takes some trial and error. For years I did weaves. My hair got lighter and lighter and my stylist totally lost touch with my natural color. It took just as many years to find someone to listen to what I wanted and finally my hair is back to my natural color. Recently I read this suggestion:  Bring your stylist photos of yourself as a child. This is the best way to match your natural color. If you don’t care about your natural color, or never liked it, then go for something new that complements your skin tone and eye color. Step out of that box, try something new and soon you’ll be showered with compliments!

Magazine Addict/Redbook Giveaway

I’m a magazine addict! Don’t get me wrong, I love to read a good book and in fact read two while on vacation in December. But there is nothing better than poring over a stack of magazines. First came the middle school magazine fund raisers that my kids were involved in for six straight years. I was their best customer. About that same time we received that offer ”Use Your Airline Miles Before They Expire”. The only choice: MAGAZINES. Titles I loved (In Style, Lucky, Redbook, O, Self, Marie Claire) were missing from the list. Instead I had issues of Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, W in my piles. It can be hard to keep up. I’m not sure what that says when magazines have become part of my family room decor!

I tear out ideas, file them, mark pages in issues I want to keep. Redbook recently offered a Two for One when I renewed. Perfect Giveaway! Click on the blue link at the top right of this article, leave a comment that you want to be chosen and one of you will receive a FREE subscription to REDBOOK. Contest ends 2/9/10 at midnight PST

When you saw the photos of my magazine clutter, did it cause you to ”think green”? (I do recycle faithfully) I want to get in the habit of reading more magazines online. Last spring I met the editor of a local interest E-magazine here in the Portland-Vancouver area. We collaborated on our first article in November which you will see on my Before/After page.

I am now a regular contributor and link SNAPSHOT on my blog. I encourage you to take a peek at the latest issue and get the idea of reading online. By placing your cursor at the top of the page, you will be able to maneuver through the pages, and even print out the ones you want to keep. There are several choices in views and you can enlarge a section to get the closeup. Give it a try. E-magazines are green! Snapshot is a FREE subscription.

My recent article is a compilation of a few things posted previously, but with a twist. The focus is on using what you have in your closet. In short, the three things to remember.

1. Shop your closet to look for new combinations

2. Find a piece in your closet that is a bit dull and add accessories

3. Choose a piece that you’ve had 2-3 years and give it some new life with a current trend

The theme of this article is Reinvent. It provides a springboard for next week when I discuss Hairstyles and how to Evolve your Style.

Savvy Shoe Shopping: Part 4

I hope you like the new look at Style by Karen. My blog designer has been busy. I now have a virtual service. You may have noticed the comment box is missing.  Click on “share your thoughts” and it will show at the end of the article. If you are a new subscriber, thanks for your interest and for sharing my blog with a friend.

I’ll close my series on shoes with tips to help you become a savvy shoe shopper.

I mentioned that I often pay full price for shoes because my feet are hard to fit. Since all of you are not in the same situation, I highly recommend shopping stores that carry name brands and high quality shoes for less. You will have good luck at the Nordstrom Rack and DSW. You may also want to check out Marshalls, Ross and TJ Maxx. Target or Payless shoes may even have options.

Watch department stores sales, and use the coupons to your advantage. Macy’s is particularly generous with coupons, and I have saved a bunch when combining a coupon with an item already on sale. If you are card holder at Macy’s the coupons arrive in your mailbox based on card use. Kohl’s is also generous to their card holders and you receive special discounts one time a month. A 30% off month provides healthy savings.

Online shoe stores are going to offer a wide range of choice in sizes, widths, color and styles. You may catch a sale if you watch frequently, especially towards the end of the season.  I’ve already mentioned Zappos and Nordstrom as my favorites. There are many more. If you find a brand/style name you like and use my search technique, there will be more online stores than I can begin to name. Do your research and comparison shopping. I find the reviews helpful. You may even find E-bay is an option. Read carefully about shipping charges and return shipping. I have ordered from Zappos and had it the next day. SERIOUSLY. Returns are as easy as click/print  for a FREE return label.  Leave it at the UPS store—no waiting in line. I can wear the shoes from both of these stores to check out the comfort and fit and return with no questions asked. With my feet, this is a bonus!

Are prices higher for this service? I have not found it to be significant, and there is no sales tax with out of state orders. I have free shipping at Nordstrom (also comes with $200 orders) and I return to the store as it is very convenient. They will do FREE exchanges and the return label is $6 which is quite reasonable (typical of many online stores).Weigh out convenience, time, gas prices and make your choice.

One BIG advantage of online shopping is that little SEARCH box. At Zappos you can type in Narrow or Wide Widths, and even Boots: Wide Calf. I often hear from women who say they cannot zip up boots- it isn’t so with Zappos!  Enjoy shopping  and let me know how you do!

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