Expect the unexpected

Let me share with you a new client who LOVES to shop, owns many designer pieces, and had only worn the same few items over and over again. She found me at my consignment boutique and told me she knows she has great pieces but needs help condensing her closet and finding out how to use what she already owns.

When I opened her closet I couldn’t believe the variety of clothing she had. I could tell she knew how to search for quality and understood what she liked but wasn’t making the most of her wardrobe. When I asked her how she would describe her style she explained, “I love to attend art shows and like to wear the unexpected, but I am not showing off my creative side as much as I’d like.”

I had three sessions with her and after the first consultation she couldn’t believe how many outfits could come from her wardrobe and she saw her pieces in a whole new light. The best part was to hear her say she wanted to go out more because she feels so good in everything now.

Three ways to achieve the unexpected look:

Mix Prints!

A floral top can be combined with polka dots or stripes. Just make sure you have the right shoe to bring together the look. Here I used a pale yellow heel to add more color and lighten the look for springtime!

Casual vs. Dressy

Why women don't wear their favorite pieces more often? They categorize their shoes, tops, pants, skirts, etc as casual or dressy and strictly use it that way. Look at how great this outfit looks! A cotton striped "casual" top with a flirty floral "dressy" skirt and of course the perfect shoe a color blocked flat sandal to make this "dressy" skirt appropriate for a summer day.

Combining different textures

I wouldn't pair a cotton tee and a cotton vest, instead wear a silky floral top and a long coton vest in a slightly heavier weight with your favorite black pants and sandals. A laid back, effortlessly put together look. People will look at how great you look and wonder, how does she do that?

That is just a little sneak peak at the magic of combining pieces in new ways. Try something new, have fun with the pieces you love and wear them more often.

Special Finds You Won't Believe

Thrift store shopping can be a treasure hunt if you have patience and know what to look for. I thought I'd share a few things I found for clients, all different ages and styles.

Vertigo - Size: M - $12.97

This client loves color and classic pieces, the zip up jacket above is flattering and a great material for travel. It's warm enough for Seattle and bright enough for spring.

Black and White Top - Size: M - $7.99

Everyone can use a nice black and white top for spring/summer, it's perfect for pairing with colorful cardigans and tailored jackets.

Green Sweater - Size M - $9.97

I'm loving this peapod color for the season, bold hues and khaki make a great combo. Gold jewelry adds a nice glamorous touch to this green as well.

Ann Taylor - Size M - $9.97

A red top and white pants look so hot. Perfect detailing along the neckline makes this top great to wear underneath jackets or on it's own!

$2.99- Necklace

Stock up on fun jewelry, these are glass beads with a floral painted design and braided chain.

Liz Claiborne - $29.97

Okay, so I kept this one for myself but look at the beauty of it! No scratches looks brand new. I say if you are going to spend less on a bag, venture away from the typical black handbag. You can have fun with the style and color if you spend less, take a risk!

BARGAIN SHOPPING TIPS:

1. Inspect the piece: No stains, rips, tears

2. It should look fairly new

3. It must FIT correctly

4. It should fit your signature style, just because it fits, doesn't mean you will wear it.

5. Fall in love with the piece and not the price tag.

"I love fashion it's artwork you get to wear." - Fendi

Suited for Spring?

I'm all for the sharp tailored look, I can't get enough of well fitted jackets! They are an important staple item for your closet this season, but I say steer away from your favorite black blazer and follow some of my suggestions below:

BREAK IT UP

Why not strut the streets in a colorful, fun, mix and match, suit combo? I have to say this is one of my favorite outfits, it is way too chic to reserve for client meetings and categorize as office attire show it off as you run errands and meet up for cocktails.

ONE SUIT TO GO

I know we've seen a lot of casual wear lately in the workplace and on the street but designers are bringing back full on suits. Of course not the typical styles, all are cut in flattering designs, an array of colors, prints, and lapel sizes. Like a dress, you will love how easy it is to wear. The only rule: be CREATIVE with the jewelry and shoes.

COLORFUL BLAZERS

Bored of you neutral pieces? I know we have so many safe pieces we turn to on a daily basis, take a risk! Get a colorful blazer and brighten your closet in an instant. I suggest finding a color that makes you feel your best and a flattering style for your body type.

THE BEST PART OF WEARING A BLAZER

What I absolutely LOVE about a blazer is how it adds a professional, pulled together look to a bohemian top or even a flowy dress. It will work miracles for the poofy blouses you have trouble wearing on it's own.

DO YOU LOVE YOUR LEGS?

Outfit from Rebecca Minkoff's Spring 2011 Collection

Why not try wearing your blazer with shorts? If you love your legs show off your trendy side and wear your favorite blazer in a new way.

"I've learned to trust my taste-if something makes me happy, then I love it!" -Jordana Brewster

Jewelry Love Affair: Alexis Bittar

The Alexis Bittar Spring 2011 collection was inspired by the 1970s with his personal touch on a retro futuristic vibe. Each bold piece makes for a glamorous addition and I completely agreed when he told me, "..it is our job to excite the women in Seattle about fashion."

A Simple Piece Can Go A Long Way

SOLD OUT

A clean cut, texture in the metalwork, and a subtle expression when paired with your long sweaters, neutral attire, and favorite sleek boots. This modern piece shows feminity in the delicacate chain and an edgy yet strong statement in the art of the larger metal work.

Where to invest

$475 @ Nordstrom

I would say, if you wanted to really invest in a statement piece to strut at galas, silent auctions, and festive parties this would be the piece. You will not go wrong with a neutral stone, it will compliment a variety of colors.

Versatile and Glamorous

$345 @ Nordstrom

What I love about Lucite is that it's matte lustre makes a great jewelry piece. This necklace is short enough to be worn with jackets, glamorous enough to accent dresses, and beautiful enough to treasure forever.

Sparkle and Shine

$455 @ Nordstrom

As you know, sparkle and sequins are totally day time acceptable. Don't shy away from a little eye popping glitter look in your next jewelry purchase. I promise your jeans and flats will feel all dressed up for your evening outings.

Chunky Love

$245 @ Nordstrom

Chunky rings are not only fun, they really POP. Just make sure you don't accidentally lose it when taking it off to wash your hands.  It happens......

A new kind of royalty

$225 @ Nordstrom

For those that wear higher necklines, a necklace with weight and length can recreate your looks. An asymmetrical cut added to a  precious stone gives a nice twist to a classic look.

To view the full collection visit: www.alexisbittar.com

Did you know?!?!?!

Alexis Bittar teamed with designer and legendary stylist Patricia Field to create one of a kind custom pieces for Sex and the City? He started 11 years ago from his one bedroom apartment and was discovered on the street selling his pieces on a local market. Now he is everywhere from Nordstrom in Seattle to high end European boutiques.

Clean Your Closet Like A Pro

It’s that time of year! Spring is well underway and I know we are all ready for cleaning out our closets. Let me make it easy for you. Schedule out 2 hours of your time, grab a glass of your favorite drink, invite your girlfriends and make it a cleanout party. It’s nice to have encouragement and support from the ones you trust most.
 
My advice, start with what you know and do it on a positive note. I personally use the steps below when working with my clients. Let’s get started!
 
1. Keep the pieces you love
 
I think it is important to have a smaller closet with pieces you love rather than a huge designer closet filled with unworn, unflattering garments. To make this process less overwhelming and to help you discover a thing or two about your personal style, I suggest to start by finding the pieces you love!
 
WARNING: If you love it BUT it is piling, fading, too worn, or torn, it had a good life. It is in no condition to wear anymore and must be put in the good bye pile. Make sure you replace it promptly with a similar item.
 
Analyze them. Ask yourself  the following questions: What do you love about it? Is it the color, the cut, the fit or is it just easy to combine in various ways? Take note mentally or write it down.
 
 
2. Take out pieces you never liked in the first place
 
The second easiest thing, right? You know what pieces you are holding onto that you never liked in the first place. The worst thing you could do is have them hanging in your closet, take them out immediately. Are you thinking about the money you spent on it? I want you to go back remember the times you wore it and how awful you felt. Don’t try to make it work, it’s time to let go.
 
You may feel guilty about the past purchases but keep in mind that from now on you will make smarter shopping choices. 

 
Ask yourself: What you don’t like about it. Is it the color, the fit, the fabric? Again take note.
 
 
3. Take out pieces you don’t wear
 
Here are the rules:
 
If there is a memory attached, please keep! Just store it in another area away from the clothing you wear daily.
 
Is it too small? First weed through the pieces that are too small and decide whether it is dated or in bad condition. If you are trying to lose weight, put the clothing that is still wearable in a box, label it with a date a few months from now to open it. Then decide whether or not to keep it in the box longer, donate it, or take it out and wear it.
 
Don’t know how to wear it but it fits nicely and you really like it? Keep it, look through fashion magazines, department store websites, or have a personal stylist help you find multiple outfits. This is why I don’t follow the 12 month rule, it may be a great piece but you need to find the perfect way to wear it.
 
 
When you start to replenish, use the notes you took. You now know what works best and what doesn’t. Replace the pieces you took out and make smart, beautiful purchases. 

If you need help cleansing your closet for the season e-mail me at tannyab@gmail.com

"Women usually love what they buy, yet hate two-thirds of what is in their closets."  ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic's Notebook, 1960

Flat out Fabulous

From work, to the park, to a relaxing night out with the girls. Staying put together on long days seems impossible, but it’s much more simple than you think. Your shoe can make or break your outfit, really! I must admit, as much as I love a sexy high heel the reality is a stylish flat is the right choice for daily use. If you have a bunion (like myself) you will  need a shoe that will keep your outfit looking impeccable and one that won’t hurt your feet after a few blocks.

Unless you are going to the gym, I say, let go of the tennis shoes and super chunky shoes that weigh down your look and find a flat with support, style, and flair!

I have three suggestions below to inspire you to try new colors and designs, try a new style than the one you normally pick up for yourself.

The weekend shoe

Fossil Ella $79 at Piperlime

Treat yourself to a pedi with a bright summer color and show off your toes. This shoe can be worn with rolled up jeans, khaki skirts paired with your fav stripped tee, or colorful tops.

Made to last

Frye Emma Ballet $177.95 at Nordstrom

This shoe is inspired by the Mexican huarache sandal which was originally hand woven and made to last 15 - 20 years! This modern flat is a beautiful addition to your wardrobe if your style consists of boxy tees, boho tops, feathered earrings, and handbags with fringe these are for you!

For the love of quality

Cece leather and canvas ballet flat $128 at J Crew

Not only is this a classic style, it has a great color to add to your transitional pieces. You can wear neutrals from head to toe and add color with a belt, scarf, jewelry, or SHOE. Embrace the the bold prints and colors this season. By the way if you love quality, these are made in Italy, so hard to find in department stores these days.

“Trying to be cool or trendy doesn’t work. It’s more vital to be relevant to women’s lives.” Alber Elbaz

The Correct Way to Wear a Maxi Skirt

You may have noticed the huge maxi-skirt trend seen on the stars on the streets and on the models of the runways. It’s a great trend to try, but if not done right, the maxi skirt will leave you looking frumpy. Although the maxi is most flattering on tall women, any woman can pull off the look by following these styling tips:

1) Add Interest
Although the maxi trend was influenced by the 70’s, that doesn’t mean you have to copy the trend literally. It’s 2011 and you want to look modern, so add interest with a long necklace, dangly earrings, edgy booties or high-heeled boots. If your skirt  is in a neutral color, wear a colored top. Or instead of a basic maxi skirt, try a ruffled skirt.

2) Wear a Fitted Top
To balance out the amount of volume on bottom, you need to wear a fitted shirt on top. Avoid billowy blouses that can make you look big. Try a button-up shirt, a basic tee, or a screen-printed tee.

3) Define Your Waist

Under all those layers of clothes, the shape of your body will disappear. Define your waist by tucking in your top, wearing a belt, and/or wearing a cropped jacket or cardigan, but please no crop tops.