Fabulous FLea Market Finds!

Metallics are back!

New and fun for fall

It is time to put away your hard core summer items and look toward fall trends. I love finding things that I enjoyed wearing last year as I pull out my fall and winter pieces. Get current by adding touches of metallic, lace jackets and vests and patterned stockings. Large handbags are bigger than ever and the matchy-matchy look is definitely not cool.
Stay tuned every Friday for my Style Podcast showing you all the latest trends and fashion and beauty finds in DC.

Think again!

There should be a “rule” book for fashion
As I go about my day, I can’t help wondering if some people actually look in the mirror before they leave the house. I am disturbed when I see women who otherwise look “put together” wearing things that derail their credibility.
Three things that I saw today:
1. A fabulously dressed woman wearing chipped, grown-out nail polish. Come on ladies, even if you do not have the time to get a fresh manicure, at least remove the chipped polish.
2. An otherwise beautifully dressed woman wearing tired, old - fashioned shoes. I know, they are all broken in and comfy, but there is no point in spending the time and money to dress well and then ruin it by stating you do not care by wearing old standby’s. With all the shoe choices today, you can absolutely have comfort and style.
3. A high level female official chewing gum as she walked on stage.
Do not, DO NOT chew gum in public. Regardless as to whether you think it is fine to do so- others do not. Trust me on this - it’s a small sacrifice for a huge gain in credibility.

Having fun with accessories

The right accessories can really pop an outfit. Less is always better and classic or traditional pieces are best in corporate environments. Larger, more dramatic fashion pieces are good for less conservative environments or for evening. Remember, there is a language to your accessories. Quality is the word that should come to mind when dressing for traditional or corporate workplaces. Do not wear earrings, a bracelet and necklace all at the same time. Remember scale when choosing new pieces. Have fun, be adventurous and keep your receipt in case you change your mind once you get home.

Save time in the morning...

Several people have asked me how to get dressed for work without having to think or make decisions. It seems that many women want to look great everyday but they do not want to put in a lot of effort making decisions about “what” goes with “what.” A great alternative to putting together ensembles from separates is to move toward wearing suits.
By having five or more suits, you can easily solve this problem. Couple them with different blouses, shells or sweaters and jewelry, and you can create many looks without a lot of thought.
TIP: Always plan on having your “off the rack” suit tailored. Nothing is more powerful looking than a woman in a perfectly fitted suit. Ill-fitting suits under-mind your credibility.

I just saved time and money!

Every once in a while you pop into a store expecting to find nothing but luckily find everything you need. I hit the jackpot last week when Karen, a superb sales associate, helped me consider some new looks at the Chico’s in Friendship Heights, Maryland. I was desperate to find white and beige sleeveless shells to wear under suits. I wanted them to have a scoop neck, but I did not want them to be low-cut. I had tried 7 stores with out results. Not only did I find the shells in a rainbow of colors, I also found some new jackets. Chico’s has added some fitted items that are very flattering. I have always loved the fabrics at Chico’s but hated the boxy cuts. Now I have four new items to pair with my great fitting Chico’s pants.
And just to complete the look, Karen showed me some fabulous jewelry. I saved so much time and money (many items were on sale). If you are in the DC area go see Karen at Chico’s and then TRY ON the items she suggests.

You just might be pleasantly surprised.