Don't Have a Blackout

"Have you ever seen a happy goth?" Carson Kressley thinks not, and states "I think everyone needs color to feel good. Too many women rely on head-to-toe black as a form of camouflage." On those days that they're feeling fat or bloated many women skip color and reach for all black. The reality is that any deep hue can be slimming when worn monochromatically - so instead of black, reach for plum, gray or chocolate brown for a chic head-to-toe look. Then add in accents of one of your best vibrant hues, such as violet, turquoise or fuchsia, with your accessories to draw the eye upward and bring light to your face. Here are some of my favorite ways to do just that:

1/ A scarf in a great print or a gorgeous jewel tone is wonderful for framing your face with color. A black scarf will do little to nothing to brighten your complexion and I strongly recommend you avoid wearing one.

2/ Wear a gorgeous necklace and/or earrings in one of your best shades. Bonus points if it includes gemstones, which will lighten and brighten your face.

3/ A pop of color near your face in the form of a camisole peeping out from your neckline is another great way to draw the eye upward. Keep your clothing in a deep monochromatic shade and add contrast with a camisole in one of your best brights and you'll look gorgeous!

Choose a color that looks great on you and wear it well. You'll look slim, cheerful and chic!

What You Should NEVER Have in Your Wardrobe

Quick, do you know the top items all women need in their wardrobes? If your mind went immediately to a little black dress, black flats and a white shirt then let me stop you right there for a minute and ask you to reconsider.

Don't worry, I'm not going to tell you that what you really need is a fuchsia trench coat and a pair of jeggings. But what I am going to tell you is to take a deep breath and step away from all those "Top 10" lists and start making one of your own.

I have a great deal of respect for each client's unique personal style. It's what makes us different, what sets us apart and what makes life so very interesting. Imagine if we all had the same personality, liked the same things and (gasp!) dressed the same. That is my idea of a nightmare! However, that's exactly what many style professionals encourage us to do when they spout off their 'lists of what all women should have in their closet'.

Now, with that being said, I will encourage you to take from those lists and wear what works for you. If a khaki trench coat will make new outfits from many pieces you already have and it suits your classic or contemporary style, then go for it! However, if you're more of a natural style with a full, rounded shape and favor flowy, drapey fabrics, then this just isn't going to be right for you. However, an adaptation of a trench in a washed linen or softer fabric, in a marine blue, just may fit the bill. Do you see where I'm going with this? I want you to make your very own "top 10" list of items that will help you to look just like you! Here are a few guidelines for getting started:

1/ Dress for Your Body type - Let your body type dictate what is going to work on you. If you're pear shaped, a pair of jeggings better not be on your list! Opt for a pair of boot cut trouser jeans for a look that will flatter you and never go out of style.

2/ Find Your Best Black- Not everyone needs to be wearing black. If it's not one of your best colors, please don't build a wardrobe around it. Find an alternative such as espresso, caramel or gray, and wear it any way you'd wear black. Take note of how much more vibrant you look!

3/ Know Yourself - Are you classic and reserved, bold and whimsical or up-to-the minute contemporary? Then select items that will become the foundation for a look that's all your own. Your personality style will help you determine what will work best on you. If you never wear pants, I hope a pair of black pants is NOT on your list.

4/ Dress for your Lifestyle - If you spend your days running carpool, working from home and attending PTA meetings, then what you need are versatile basics that multitask as well as you do. Steer clear of trad suits and opt for things you'll get far more mileage out of. If you like the look of a jacket, but a separate or choose a cardigan.

5/ Build a Core Wardrobe - Opt for items that are in your best basic neutrals and will go with many other colors in your wardrobe. This will help you create a foundation from which to build many outfits for years to come.

Dressing for who you are, rather than who someone else thinks you should be, is going to serve you well in life. After all, who wants to go around feeling like they're dressed like someone else? There's only one you - show it off!

Mary Michele Little

Your Signature Style Coach

One Chic Mama, Inc.

Jeggings for All Body Types

By now you’ve surely noticed that jeggings, that hybrid of jeans and leggings, are all the rage. From my end they have been met with mixed reviews. Being touted as something that looks good on all women, I have to say that I am skeptical. There really is very little that truly looks good on all women, even jewelry. I’d like to encourage you to experiment with this trend and find the way it works best for you – but if it’s a definite no go, by all means please substitute your favorite pair of bootcut denim for jeggings and you’ll have a look that will be flattering and feel more like you.

For those of you who have embraced jeggings but aren’t sure how best to wear them to flatter your body type, here are my suggestions for getting the most from this look:

Linear Body Type – You’re long, lean and have few, if any, curves. The skinny fit of jeggings is perfect for your lithe, athletic body type. Try pairing gray jeggings with a long tunic. Layer on a jacket to create the illusion of curves and a fun pair of ballet flats will finish this look off with style.

Apple Body Type – Apples carry more weight on the top half than their bottom half, which means that, when worn correctly, jeggings can show off your assets – a great pair of legs – while camouflaging a heavy upper body. A roomy tunic in a darker, neutral color will gently skim the body while making you look slimmer. Elongate your legline with a pair of cropped jeggings and some fab suede peep-toe booties and draw the eye upward with a gorgeous pair of earrings.

Pear Body Type – Pears carry their weight below the waist and are generally curvy in this area. Ensure you select a pair of jeggings that fit you well in this area – high-waisted are best – and keep you covered without creating a muffin top. A printed tunic will draw the eye upward and a stunnging artisanal necklace will keep the focus where you want it – around your face. A great pair of heels will elongate your legline, making you look both taller and thinner.

Hourglass Body Type – If you’re curvy both above and below the waist, chances are you’re an hourglass. Be sure to choose jeggings that enhance your curves. A darker wash minimizes your hips and thighs. Team these with a vibrant print tunic, but be sure to belt it to make the most of your small waist. Accent this look with a chic pair of heeled boots and a studded cuff and you’ll feel like a rhinestone cowgirl!

One last thing I will mention about jeggings is that women of all ages will get the best look when they pair them with something that covers their derriere. But be sure and wear a tunic that does not stop at your widest point, which can often be the tops of your thighs. To create a long and lean look, choose something that stops either above or below your widest point and you’ll look chic in your jeggings.

Michele Little
Your Signature Style Coach
One Chic Mama, Inc.
www.onechicmama.com
“What you wear tells the world who you are.”