Late August Boredom

Nothing is going on here at the end of August. I think I am getting close to dying of boredom. I have had no business of any important note to conduct for these last two weeks – probably because I intentionally kept things to the bare minimum! I’ve been able to catch up on some of my writing - although I have NOT worked on any of my books yet. The least important one - about SHOES will likely be the first one finished…hopefully by the year 2020.

I am tempted to escape to Vegas for a few days, but I know that the 100+ degree temperatures would kill me. Perhaps it’s better to just relax here where the weather has been unusually cool. I am not complaining – I’m enjoying it. But I am totally bored with the shopping here and Vegas has so much more great stuff to offer in that area. I would love to hit Last Call Neiman Marcus and the BCBG outlet at Primm – about a half-hour west of my old house in Henderson, NV – Primm is right on the CA border. Of course, after I moved, they also immediately put in a Nordstrom Rack two minutes from my former place. What luck.

I just need to find a cure for my boredom until September hits. Then I am off to the races. I seem to be double or triple-booked next month!!! Then I’ll be complaining that I’m too busy!!

Obviously, boredom does not agree with me.

The Importance of Casual Clothing

Sometimes I wonder if there are a lot of people out there like me. Even though I’m a pro at wardrobe building – for myself and others – I admit I do have a serious clothing blind spot. I am one of those people who never seems to have enough casual clothes. I’ve always had my “investment” wardrobe full of suits and slacks and skirts and jackets. It works for everything from the highest level of business function to speaking engagements, TV appearances, luncheons, business social events, and nearly everything else imaginable. I must admit it takes care of about 75% of my clothing needs, which is fabulous.

But I have a perpetually lame casual wardrobe. When I say “casual”, I don’t mean Business Casual. In my life, “casual” pretty much means jeans and items I would wear with jeans.

I must tell you that being a Classic/Romantic fashion personality, I have had to learn to do casual wear – but on my own terms. I need tailored looks that are very “finished” from head to toe (my Classic side), and soft fabrics – crushed velvet, sueded fabrics, or cashmere - with feminine details to satisfy the Romantic side of me.

I run around much of the time – whether I’m going to the grocery store or to Starbucks or the Borders close by – in my cute little track suits. They either have matching sneakers for the cooler months or matching flip-flops for summertime. In many people’s eyes, a track suit may seem too dressed down, but when it’s neatly presented and looks like you have actually put some thought behind it, it’s generally quite acceptable.

I would never go out socially in a track suit, naturally. And this is where my wardrobe fails me.

First of all, buying jeans is a nightmare. It always has been for me. And it is that way for many, many women. It really takes patience to find the right jeans for one’s body. For me, it takes a shopping excursion for only jeans and nothing else. Discount stores are not the best place to buy jeans. While I am really into the “thrill of the hunt” at discount stores, they don’t work well for jeans. You want to shop a department store because you need to find the brand and cut that works for you so you can buy the same thing again and again (different washes, and details, of course). Shopping for jeans for me includes trying on about 15-20 pair. I am unapologetic about this. It’s too important to not get it right.

I was out today and bought three pieces that will take me far this fall and winter – three corduroy jackets to pair with my jeans. I bought a tan blazer, a black shirt jacket style, and a very wide wale teal cropped jacket (really cute). I had already bought a Nine West cream cropped corduroy jacket last week, so I am really ahead of the curve in terms of prepping for the cooler seasons to come. And I am excited that I am thinking ahead! I usually have my mind on the business events I will be attending, since they are generally planned more in advance. Social events can be planned at the last minute which usually prompts a mad dash out to the store to buy something (anything) to throw on with jeans and boots.

Now, I’m pleased to say that I will be at least semi-prepared for anything that comes my way this fall and winter. Now I just need to add several pairs of boots, more jeans, sweaters, turtlenecks, and various other basics. Just when I thought I was set…..

I Don't Love the 80's (Addendum)

I went out to lunch yesterday with my friend Michelle after completing my last blog entry. Imagine my dismay when I realized I was dressed like the 80's!! I was wearing skinny jeans - the one pair I have, a black top, bright multicolor polka dot scarf, big geometric dangle earrings, and hot pink pumps!

Okay, so I was adding an 80's feel to two basics with accessories. I swear it was completely unintentional! Too much thinking about the 80's has taken my casual style back a couple of decades. I promise I will still stay away from the Freddy Krueger look! (I swear a mannequin at Express at Beachwood was dressed just like him - in skinny, skinny jeans - all that was missing was the scary glove!!!)

I Don't Love the 80’s

On Monday, August 7th, trend analyst Kelly Smith and I went out to Crocker Park for my birthday. The visit had a dual purpose since she will be leaving to return to school in NYC and we wanted to do a fall preview column in our September newsletter.

I am not a huge trend watcher, so I’m thankful that Kelly has her finger on the pulse of what’s new and hip in the fashion world. And because the fashion world is constantly recycling old styles, we never know what we’re going to get each season.

Imagine my dismay when I learned that the 80’s were back. Yes, the 1980’s – the decade of Flashdance, Working Girl and the Brat Pack. I thought I was going to die when I saw what the stores were offering. We saw everything from bubble skirts to belted sweater dresses with leggings, super skinny jeans, bold black and white, black and purple, and black and red horizontal stripe tunics – which are wrong in so many ways. I mean, wasn’t Freddy Krueger around in the 80’s? And didn’t he wear a red & black horizontal stripe sweater? Who in their right mind wants to look like that??!!

We also saw a plethora of dolman sleeves, very wide belts, vests with ruffled shirts a la Janet Jackson in 1986, high-waisted skirts, and clutch purses. Layering is still really big. There is also a lot more gray out there than I have seen in years.

What does this all mean?

Kelly thought a lot of the 80’s inspired outfits were cute. And some of them were. But, as I explained to her, there is a reason those styles did not catch on and stay in style and become classics. It is because they do not flatter most bodies. Try putting a big thick belt on a short-waisted woman. Or a sweater dress on someone who has a few pounds to lose. How about a horizontal-striped top on a woman who is topheavy?

Unfortunately, most people are oblivious to their own unique body shape. I warned Kel that the fashion victims would truly be victims this fall. There is a lot that can be done wrong with the season’s clothes. And wouldn’t you know, I was at Beachwood Place the next day when I saw one of those fashion nightmares.

A young woman, probably in her early 20’s was dressed like the 80’s. And I’m sure she thought she looked super cute and on the edge of fashion. Unfortunately, she was about 5’0, very fair skinned, and wearing a black and white horizontal-striped tunic with a wide belt over leggings with flats.

Nothing about this outfit was right for the person wearing it. From the colors and contrast that completely overpowered her to the horizontal stripes that made her look shorter and wider to the belt that created rolls of flab where there probably weren’t any to begin with.

So, yes, the 80’s are back, but I will be warning every trend-conscious woman out there to pick and choose their pieces even more carefully than usual. I am predicting this look will not last beyond winter. Thankfully.

Meet the Mayor

Again, I am writing my “society” column, as Wendy calls it, instead of anything truly related to style. I can’t help it, but at least I am blogging, right? That’s the main thing. It’s all about the blog.

I went to the Meet the Mayor Young Professionals event Friday night at the Botanical Gardens. Kelly and her friend Brittany were in tow – literally, they followed me there and back from Lake County. It was kind of a jungle to find parking and make our way in, but the first people we saw were William and Jason from Calyx. (will refrain from usual comment, William - I believe we are finally past that!!) Once we got in, we first saw Mayor Frank Jackson and then ran into the Great Lakes Geek himself (and I must mention Mr. ClevelandWomen.com of course), Dan Hanson wearing his “geek” shirt in all its glory. (note from Kristen the image consultant: geek shirts are NOT recommended for most, but Dan pulls it off especially well)

My friend Peter the creative director found us and we all hung out for awhile. Saw bodybuilders and proprietors of Octane Cafe Valerie and Patti as well as Patrick Manfroni executive director of (i)Cleveland for just a second. Hanna Fritzman was running around and socializing. As part of the Civic Innovation Lab (love the new logo by the way), she was one of the parties responsible for the event.

Got drinks – an apple martini for me to start –

And then we met more people, including Matt Ziaja of BusinessWire and Brandon Sweeney. Matt is a lot of fun – I love people like him who never stop talking (but are always entertaining). A hilarious butterfly comment was made that he was trying to live down all evening. I was wearing a skirt with butterflies on it. That’s all I’m going to reveal.

Saw the Tech Czar and his evil twin. Still not sure what that is all about. The Tech Czar was planning to bug the Hatchery Chicks (ooh! I hope everyone is calling them that!!). I definitely thought it was imperative for Kel to meet the Chicks since she is moving back to NYC in the fall to return to FIT. She can help them in their campus marketing there if they want her to.

Michelle White-Grady from my gang and her husband arrived after a fight to find a parking space and almost leaving. Glad I convinced them to look harder for a spot. Love Michelle and her energy. Hard to believe she is a techie. She doesn’t fit the mold.

Mayor Jackson was on stage answering questions for some time. I couldn’t hear a thing he was saying except at one point when Kel, Brittany, Michelle, and I were in the butterfly garden looking at bugs and we all heard him say….as clear as a bell…..

“Holiday Inn”

?????????????

Later, I was ordering more drinks when Sandy Scott from Channel 3 found me. Sandy has been my connection to getting on the air there….so I totally love her, of course!!

We were taking a breather just before leaving when insurance agent and fellow fashionista Rhonda Nash came over and introduced herself. She’s a cool lady and I’m sure we’ll hang out sometime again. But it was late and I was getting eager to make the next stop on the party tour.

Which was…..The Fairmount in Cleveland Heights. I used to hang out in that area when I was at JCU, but I don’t remember that place.

Got to experience something purple and scary. Was it Barney? Or worse??

It was a purple velvet smoking jacket.

We ended up at the Map Room on W. 9^th, more drinks, more fun, etc, etc. Got to hear about the Cleveland Rat Pack idea: Sophisticated alcoholics go out and drink around town. Brilliant.

Then it got to be entirely too late and I was totally crabby.

Finally rolled in at 3am.

Ingenuity Party (okay, clearly not the most exciting title on the planet)

I seem to be writing about my social life a little more than my fashion life lately. I’ve had some interesting stuff going on – I guess it's hard to separate the social life from business right now. They seem to be one in the same.

I was so busy on Thursday that I only ate a box of raisins – all day. Then I drank a bunch of margaritas at the Ingenuity party – clearly not a good idea.

I had a three hour meeting which turned from doing some branding work into acting as a business consultant in negotiations with a billion-dollar comapny. More on that later, but suffice to say that it is a BIG deal and there are many doors that can be opened through this opportunity. Yay me.

I had to rush off to the Ingenuity kickoff party at Fat Fish Blue. Sorry, it was an Ingenuity/Tech Czar party. Gotta give credit to the Czar - the guy can attract a crowd.

It was a terrific event. I was able to meet a lot of tremendous people.

I met Dan and Katrina Lallo. Dan’s older sister Melanie and brother-in-law Dave went to John Carroll with me. I knew that Dan and Katrina were recently married because of the pictures I receive regularly of Dave & Mel’s daughter Rowan (who shares my August 7th b-day - she's going to be 1 in a couple of weeks. And I will be.....?). I got to see several pictures from the wedding with the Rowan pics so I recognized "Aunt" Katrina. How funny.

Dan has a new job and is new to the world of networking so I was glad to be able to introduce him to people. Hey, that’s my job and I do it well :)

I met Peter Chakerian from Cool Cleveland. Finally I could put a face with the name. We’ve been trying to connect for my CC interview for months - literally. Finally, maybe – just maybe – we’ll do that interview this coming Tuesday. Let’s hope.

Saw the Czar, looking bureaucratic and GQ as always. At least someone in this town has good taste....besides me!! I saw George from Brewed Fresh Daily (hey, George! I’m blogging...look!!!), I finally met the man himself, Thomas Mulready, founder of Cool Cleveland and co-founder of Ingenuity. I’ve been seeing a lot of Jeff Friedman of Webtego lately. Last night he was without his wife Joelle. She is a life coach and one of the coolest and most centered people I have ever met. The life coach thing fascinates me, but that is an entirely other blog. I saw Brad Kleinman, who happens to be one of my Monday meetings this week. Brad is fascinated by robots. Apparently I missed the robots walking down Prospect. I got to see the robot video recap on Brad’s phone. Yes, Brad, fascinating……

Got to hang with my friend Michelle White-Grady as well as Patrick Manfroni.

(L-R) Brad Kleinman, me, Patrick Manfroni

All in all, it was a fun time and I’m really looking forward to the festival this weekend.

I had to be in Midtown the next morning for a Midtown Mornings meeting at Nead Brand Partners. Once again, I saw Jeff Friedman, this time with Joelle. I was specifically there to meet with Mark Nead about ways we can work together. They have a lot going on and I do as well, so it will be beneficial to bring some of the things we’re doing together. I’m very excited to see what happens.

For Henry, George & the Czar

I went to a Tech Czar event last night at the Happy Dog on W. 58th & Detroit. The party definitely follows Mr. DeAloia. It’s amazing - I can only hope to have that kind of a following one day. Personally, I think it’s gotta be the cool title. I need a cool title. “Style Maven” works but isn’t too original. I think my title needs to involve the word “princess” and I need a matching tiara for every outfit – to go with my super cute shoes, of course!

I invited some members of the Cleveland Fashionista Society (the CFS – I just made that up) to the event. Kelly (http://kellystyle.blogspot.com) and I met up with Wendy (http://makeupjunki.blogspot.com) and later we were joined by Mary Stewart McGovern and her husband Pat. It doesn’t surprise me that Pat is just as quiet as Mary is chatty and bubbly. Your hair looks great, by the way, MSM. I'm diggin' the bangs.

Kel and I got there early, which I definitely wasn’t planning. I hate getting to parties early. I usually choose to be fashionably late. We made incredible time coming in from the far east side. We were the second ones there. The first to arrive was Henry Gomez from the Plain Dealer. I could say something mean (yet hilarious) that Henry is a nerd for being there first, but I do enough psychological damage to the poor guy about his clothes (it’s all in fun, buddy, I love the sad puppy dog face:( Henry was then joined by Brandon Glenn from Crain’s (hey, Brandon, get me in Crain’s!) and they were then joined at the bar by Kel & me.

Wendy, Kel, and I were supposed to be interviewed by Peter from Cool Cleveland, but his mom is in the hospital in pretty serious condition, so we still haven’t been able to connect for our interview. It was probably better that way as we wouldn’t have been able to hear over the music.

I was asked a few times about updating my blog, so here it is Henry, George and whoever else asked me about it. I didn’t realize that anyone was reading this stuff. I feel honored that they are, but it’s really a frivolous blog. My hair, my clothes, my clients, my quest for awesome shoes, etc. Not really what guys are into. Or maybe they are and just don’t want to admit it.

Back on the tiara subject, Mary said she saw one in NYC for me – it says “It’s all about me” in pink rhinestones. That’s a catty in-joke about the Style Maven. MSM and I take out the claws and let the fur fly sometimes and it’s always hilarious. We can be a couple of mean chicks when we want to be. I wouldn’t want to be on the other side of our cattiness!!!

Let’s see….who else was there last night? William was there minus the Members Only (oh, sorry, GAP) jacket and I saw George from Brewed Fresh Daily (here’s my updated blog!! Get off my back dude!! :) I met Richard from Pantek, who was One 2 Watch in Inside Business a year or so ago. So it was like a little One 2 Watch reunion last night since the Czar was also one a couple of years ago. We’re in an exclusive club, I suppose. (Actually, I’m perturbed by all the guy attention that article has received. Hey, I’m a serious business person, not eye candy – hence the Smart Blonde shirt last night). Special thanks to Richard for thinking Kelly is older than me. You made BOTH of our nights!!! Hee hee. Let’s just say that Kel is WAAAY my junior.

I had a really fun time (although I must admit it may have been partially due to the margaritas) and I’m glad that my friends enjoyed themselves as well. Kel didn’t know what to expect but she had a blast. It was a great group and a great time and now I have a reason to update my blog!!!

KK~

p.s. Best wishes on the real estate beat, Mr. Gomez, and I’m looking forward to your rendition of Wind Beneath My Wings….in your sombrero, of course!

Confidential to Mr. D: Who's your daddy?

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The Who, The Boss, Miss Ross, & Me

After the haircuts for the “kids” for our Plain Dealer makeovers, the Scott Metzger Team offered me a haircut so I could also experience one. How could I refer to him, they reasoned, if I hadn’t had a cut from him myself.

Scott has had a long and illustrious career in the hair industry, but I was most impressed with his list of clients. When he lived in London in the 70’s, he hung with The Who and told a humorous story about John Entwhistle’s crotchety grandfather. Scott has also cut Bruce Springsteen’s and Diana Ross’s hair. I didn’t see why he shouldn’t cut mine!

I had watched Scott cut Deborah’s hair (2 hours) and Jake’s hair (1 hour) for the makeovers. I honestly didn’t understand why it was taking so long. But when I got in his chair, it truly was a Zen-like experience.

Like many busy and driven people, I have a tough time relaxing. Even when I get myself to yoga class, my mental chatter doesn’t stop. I’m always thinking about what I have going on and plotting my future business moves. I can’t help it and it doesn’t stop. I sometimes wish I could meditate just to give my mind a rest.

I was actually able to take my focus off the rest of the world and relax. I was almost falling asleep as I sat there and had my hair cut – for two hours.

Scott must have used 50 cutting techniques to get the desired result. Don’t know a whole lot about cutting hair – I should probably know more, but what is important to me is to understand face shapes, lifestyle, and hair color. I can look at a style and see if it fits the person, but I don’t know what the pros know.

I can tell that this is a GOOD haircut. It feels different than any cut I’ve ever had. The $200 price tag is a little steep, but for many people, it’s likely worth it just to let the world go for a couple of hours.

To contact Scott, call his assistant Gini at (216) 905-1770.

Plain Dealer College-to-Career Makeover

I approached PD style editor Kim Crow in the fall about doing a college to career transition makeover to coincide with college graduation in the spring. Last year they featured a makeover that was more traditional “dress for success” done by my friend Danielle Turcola. The idea I had was to use two students with nonstandard majors. Two people who had to show certain characteristics in their interview attire. A guy who wouldn’t necessarily get points for the traditional dark suit, white shirt, and red tie look, and a young lady who shouldn’t be dressed like a trial attorney going to court.

We ended up with two up-and-coming professionals – Jake Bailey and Deborah Rosenblum, both 22. Jake graduated in from Hiram College with a degree in sports marketing, and Deborah graduated from Baldwin-Wallace with a double major in psychology and French.

Jake’s plan is to get a job with the Cavaliers or Indians in marketing or P/R. Deb wants to be a social worker.

Roxanne Washington was tapped to write the article. Roxanne wrote an article about me back in December in the PD
http://www.jcu.edu/pubaff/mediacenter/Dec-05/kaleal.pdf

Kim Crow had worked out a deal with the P/R company that represents Aurora Farms http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=8).

Originally I was only aware that they were donating $100 worth of clothing and accessories to the makeover candidates. I was so excited to speak with Lisa Kusner, the assistant manager of Aurora Farms who told me they would be picking up the entire tab! I knew what was possible because we had carte blanche to use whatever we wanted from the outlets.

I’m very glad that I decided to pre-shop before Roxanne and I met with Jake at Off 5th. I had originally planned to put him in a charcoal suit, and would see what stance looked better on him - two or three button. He has a very athletic body (he plays baseball), which means he needs quite a lot of alterations on a suit.

I wasn’t sure if he would be a 44 short or a 44 regular. It turns out he was a short, which limited our selection a bit. We did select a 3-button black-on-black stripe. It is a super 140s and cashmere blend. A beautiful suit. I would have had a problem putting him in black if he didn’t have deep coloring. But it worked out very well.

We chose a white spread collar shirt with a lavender and navy/black stripe. A burgundy, black, and lavender tie was then selected because we thought it looked like baseballs, without being too tacky.

He got a pair of split toe black shoes and a belt at Off 5th, and a watch from the jewelry store at Aurora Farms.

The next week, we went shopping for Deborah. Since she is planning to be a social worker, the goal for her was to look appropriate and professional, yet approachable. It would likely create a barrier for her if she were to interview in a traditional navy skirted suit and sensible pumps. Instead, I opted to put her in a pants outfit. If you want to read my manifesto on pant suits vs. skirt suits for an interview, check out my ClevelandWomen.com column (http://www.clevelandwomen.com/fashion/kristen5.htm). For Deborah, it just made more sense to put her in slacks.

It was a nasty, rainy day, and only Deb, Rox, me, and the Aurora Farms ducks were crazy enough to be walking around there that day. We didn’t find anything that worked for her at Off 5th, but we did find a find some great stuff at Jones New York.

We really lucked out with her outfit. I didn’t do a color analysis on Deborah, but if I were to guess, she is probably a summer – most likely a light summer like me. She is very fair, so I wanted to put her in something that harminized with her coloring yet made an impact.

The slacks we chose are a brownish green silk (much prettier than they sound!)and the bouclé jacket is cream, tan, lavender, and lime green. It’s very soft, but the vertical piping ties it to the pants and gives it structure. It also creates height and helps her drop 15-20 visual pounds. The shell we added is lavender and I encouraged her to go back and buy the matching cardigan when she’s ready so she’ll have a business casual outfit for her day-to-day work life.

We then went back to Off 5th for the shoes and accessories. We had a lucky find with the shoes. We happened to find a pair of green suede and brown leather trim spectator slingbacks with a kitten heel. I always forget that many people aren’t used to walking in the highest of heels like I am, so I was putting all kinds of heels on her and the poor thing looked like a newborn colt struggling to walk. The shoe we ended up with was exactly the right finishing point for the outfit.

(I told Deb that I know where she lives so she better watch out for those shoes – I want ‘em!)

Both days, we left Aurora Farms and drove right to the tailor shop that had agreed to do the tailoring for the shoot. Jake’s suit required more work than I had anticipated. Tanya from Fast Needle-Milton’s in Mayfield (www.fastneedle.com) shortened sleeves, took in the sides, and shortened the jacket slightly. She also tapered the shirt and shortened it as well.

Deborah’s outfit was a challenge for Tanya because of taking in the sides with the piping. I knew she was up to the challenge. This is a very good tailor. In fact, I took some of my clothing there for her to work on. She has a fan for life here.

The pants needed to be shortened, the cuff on the sleeves was tacked, and the sides were taken in to create a tapered fit and gave her a defined waist.

I picked up Deborah to get her hair done at 8:30am on Tuesday, May 23rd. We went to Europa International Salon & Spa at Eton Collection in Woodmere. I had never been into that salon. It’s very impressive. We were greeted by stylist Scott Metzger’s personal assistant Ginny. We were so spoiled by everyone at the salon. Deb got a precision $200 haircut from Scott and Melanie the colorist punched up her color a bit. It was slightly ashy and a little faded. It turned out to be just a better version of what she already had – a subtle, but noticeable difference.

Then my good friend Wendy Fitos arrived to do her makeup. I had mentioned to Roxanne that Wendy would be doing the makeup, but she didn’t connect the name with the face. So she was like, “Oh! It’s YOU!” Wendy has done makeup on several shoots for the PD. In fact we met for the first time a couple of years ago at an event to meet the previous style editor of the Plain Dealer. We both had the same objective in mind – meet our fellow fashionistas in town. We’ve been great buds ever since.

Lisa from Aurora Farms was supposed to bring the Coach bags I had selected for them to use as props for the shoot. She wasn’t sure if they would actually be able to give them the bags. Imagine our excitement when we found out that the Coach bags were theirs to keep! Jake got a black attaché and Deb got a small shoulder bag and a tan portfolio. I always stress that it’s important to go to an interview prepared. Have somewhere that they can carry an extra resume or two, because you never know how prepared the person interviewing you will be. I’ve been interviewed before where the person doing the interviewing was completely in the dark as to who I was and why I was there. Good thing I was ready.

Jake also got a haircut and he and Deb also got manicures – they were so spoiled that day! I was jealous :P

Then we did the shoot. We were able to use the conference room at the Cleveland Financial Group, which is also at Eton – in the office part of the building. It was a perfect businesslike setting.

Jake and Deb both looked spectacular! They grew up that day right before our eyes! I’m so excited to see the finished product in the paper!! I took pics for my own use, but I can’t wait to see it all together.

I’m hopeful that their makeovers will lead to the ultimate outcome for them – to get jobs that they will enjoy and find fulfilling.

"It's Gotta Be the Shoes"

I admit I caved in to a fad. Not a shoe fad though. I always give in to those. This time I bought a pair of big sunglasses. I’ve been seeing stars wearing them looking like they have giant bug eyes. They look especially weird on someone like Nicole Richie, who is particularly gaunt looking.

I got a pair today that aren’t so gargantuan, but still very Jackie O-inspired. I didn’t pay a lot for them because next week they’ll probably be on the “totally not cool” list.

See? I listen to my own advice: ”Spend money sparingly on fads.”

I had a meeting today with Amy Pappas, an event planner. Her company is AZA Events (www.AZAevents.net) We met in Beachwood at Starbucks at Village Square. We chatted a bit about the proposed ClevelandWomen.com Expo that Mr. ClevelandWomen Dan Hanson (I love calling him that – it’s hilarious to me) and I are planning. Amy mentioned she has connections at Cleveland State and may be able to get us the Wolstein Center. That would be excellent.

And now onto the shoes.....

After Amy and I got together, I had to go into Mayfield to pick up the tailoring for the Plain Dealer photo shoot tomorrow. I made a stop at the Marshalls at Golden Gate. Let me tell you, I am digging their new “Mega” shoe department. So many great shoes. Lots of sizes. It’s just so much better than before.

I couldn’t help myself. I picked up a pair of Liz Claiborne gold peeptoe/d’Orsay style shoes (left) to wear with my light blue & gold brocade jacket and tan capris and I’m sure many other things as well. They’re awesome. I had seen this same pair at TJ Maxx but they didn’t have my size in two stores. Marshalls clearance price was $10 off the TJ Maxx price. Yay! I knew I would eventually have those shoes.

Then….

I unexpectedly found the cutest shoes ever. Lime & leopard print spectator-style mules. And then I found a pair of lime capris to match them. Okay, lime capris would normally be a little loud for me, but I can tone them down with a more subdued top.

I’m delighted with my new shoes. I think I may have found my sought-after beige shoes at Shooz at Golden Gate. They’re a plain, pointy-toe pump with a 3-inch heel, my preferred height. I need heels as high as I can get. I love when platforms are in vogue. I like feeling tall. People always wonder if I have trouble walking in them. Even if I stumbled around, I would still wear them. I just love the concept of heels. They’re so girly. I still adore pointy toes. I have feeling that they’ve been released from fad status and are quickly making their way to becoming a classic. At least I hope that’s true. They’ll have to pry my pointy stilettos off my cold dead feet. Round toes just don’t have the same effect, and square toes are a nightmare. I admit I still have a few pairs of square toes around, either because they’re unusual colors (one is an odd shade of mauve I’ll never be able to find again) and I’m still attached to a couple other pairs – leopard loafers with a 3–inch heel and powder blue and black faux snake sandals.

Tomorrow is the Plain Dealer college-to-career makeover shoot. I’m excited to do the shoot but even more to see my dear friend Wendy Fitos. She’ll be doing the makeup. She lives on the Westside so we don’t get to see each other often enough. Anytime I get to see the Makeup Junkie, I’m thrilled!

Kristen Kaleal
President, Fusion Image Group
uniting image and innovation for a powerful presence
Image & Media Consulting
Cleveland, OH

p. (440) 742-0385
f. (440) 579-0100
e. kkaleal@aol.com
www.fusionimagegroup.com
www.clevelandwomen.com/fashion/kristenmain.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kristen_Kaleal

The Perfect Pair of Peeptoe Shoes

I knew it – I would pay for making my triumphant return to yoga last night. I’m in so much pain! Stupid yoga nazi! (that’s what I call my yoga teacher Brenda at Fitworks). Every class with her is sheer torture, but you can sure get results. It’s just that about 4pm the following day, the pain sets in and doesn’t stop for about 2 days. Which means I’ll be in pain till 4pm on Friday. I can't take Advil and Aleve because of my ulcer, which, ironically, was caused by all the Advil and Aleve taken over the years for my TMJ.

Today I went shopping – my second excursion for the elusive pair of peeptoe shoes. Yes, there are a lot of peeptoes around, but I’m looking for the right pair.

I have a green and beige bouclé skirted suit. It’s an odd cool-warm green and a very neutral beige. It’s not at all gold or gray-ish. It’s a gorgeous suit and I can’t wait to wear it. I found a lovely pin for it. It’s just the shoes that I lack. I need a similar beige peeptoe with no pattern or texture. Just a flat leather. I would even take a d’Orsay pump. I just need something professional that covers most of my foot. (d’Orsay shoes never stay on for me because I have a wider front of my foot and the back is extremely narrow – like Fred Flintstone – my nickname for my feet? “The Freds”) I don’t plan to wear hose with this suit, and since it’s a heavier weave but a spring/summer suit, I want as much uncovered as possible without looking inappropriate. I never want that, of course.

So anyway, I can’t find my shoes. Arrrgggh. But I’ll get over it.

My shoe problems seem trite compared to the rest of the stuff happening in the world, but this blog is called Keeping Up Appearances, so I must keep up with my own. After all, I’m the image consultant here. I better look good.

Today is my dad’s 65th birthday. I keep telling him he’s officially old. He’s been old for years, but now it’s official. I can tease him because he’s my dad. And he knows I mean it with a lot of love and a lot of truth. ::heh heh::

Happy Birthday, Dad!!!
Love, Cupcake

Hatchery Chicks

I went to the eTech Hatchery official opening Thursday night downtown on Star Plaza. Despite the rain, an excellent time was had by all. The “Hatch” is a relatively small one-room building with glass walls right on the plaza. It was devised by Tech Czar Michael DeAloia as a place for small eTech companies to have a place to start and grow. The inhabitants change every six months. The first are the Portfolio Magazine Online (portfoliomagazineonline.com) girls Andria Trivisonno and Julie Fink. PMO is a great concept where college students can put their portfolios online for prospective employers to view. Since I’m involved with the college market quite a bit, I think we can do some cross-promoting eventually, especially with the Midwest Association of Colleges & Employers (MWACE) conference coming to town in a couple of months.

I call Andria and Julie the “Hatchery Chicks”, which I think is quite funny. My friend Alex had to remind me that I say a lot of things that could be perceived as offensive to females, but can get away with them because I’m a girl.

The Alex I’m talking about is Alex Michaels is from Prelude2Cinema. In addition to him, I saw Mr. ClevelandWomen.com (I bet he hates me calling him that), Dan Hanson. I couldn’t believe my eyes as I was seeing Dan for the second time in the span of a week. I saw Josh Thomas, events coordinator from (i)Cleveland and of course the Hatchery Chicks and Tech Czar. I met a bunch of new people including George Nemeth from Brewed Fresh Daily (Hi George! You’re probably reading this) I was super impressed that he knew who I was because of my blog. He’s the king of the Cleveland blogosphere.

Thanks to Peter from Cool Cleveland for sharing it with him.

I met Matt Ziaja from BusinessWire, Melissa Zujkowski a litigator for Ulmer Berne (velcro rollers are my secret weapon!), David Stack, Henry Gomez from The Plain Dealer, and a bunch of people whose names I can’t remember including the guy with the hideous Members Only (oops-I meant Gap) jacket.

Thanks to Michael for inviting me along with the Tech Czar Posse to the Union Club afterward. I had a great time hanging out with you guys.

Busy Diva

I’m so busy lately. I was at the Plain Dealer Thursday working on the “college to career” makeover I’ll be doing for them. Then as I got on the freeway to head home, I got a call from Mr. ClevelandWomen.com, Dan Hanson. We’ve been trying to get together for months. Literally, months. He knew I would be downtown and asked if I was still available. I said yes! So I jumped on the exit ramp and swung back toward downtown. We had a super power meeting and strategy session. He has a wonderful concept going with the site and needs a strong branding and marketing person and I offered my services. We also discussed a corporate seminar series Health, Style & Wealth. I would do the Style part (of course!) and for Health I thought of my friend Gloria Treister from Wellness Evolution (http://www.wellnessevolution.org/), and I’m not sure who will do the Financial Planning aspect.

Found out yesterday that Aurora Farms is giving the makeover kids all the stuff they need. I was originally under the impression that they would get a $100 credit. Now they’ll be able to get suits, shirts, shoes, and accessories…FREE. I’m so thrilled about that. I love Aurora Farms now! They’re going to get MY business from now on.

Talked to Allyson yesterday of ProfessionalDiva.com. Wow – what a great idea she has there! I’m going to be writing for the site. It’s mainly because I love the name, but it looks like she has great things happening out in Southern Cal. Allyson is also part of Ladies Who Launch, which is why I hit her site in the first place. There are so many wonderful possibilities there. I’m thrilled to be associated with it.

Oh, I forgot to mention I now have a Wiki. My friend Alex was bugging me about getting on Wikipedia. I was afraid they would pull it since they really watch their content and threaten to pull biographical info within 24 hours if it isn't relevant. Apparently, Wiki thinks I'm relevant, which I joked, justifies my existence in the world. (hee hee) Check out the link below!

Gettin’ REAL in Cleveland

I’m on a committee to bring MTV’s The Real World to town. It’s really an exciting concept. Cleveland has been an underdog for so long that it’s about time for great things to happen here. I never thought I would be able to say that amazing things are going on in Cleveland, but it’s really an exciting time to be here.

This initiative is being headed up by our Tech Czar. They’re planning to build an MTV Ultra Lounge. The plans so far are very cool. Definitely nothing like anything else here. Hopefully we’ll be able to impress the heck out of the MTV people and they will be compelled to have a season here in C-Town. You know what? We deserve it. We’re getting better here in Cleveland. Really.

Hey, I was in Inside Business Magazine this month. Okay, I wasn’t thrilled with the picture, but it’s still publicity. It was taken at the Red Room Revolution event back in March.
I’ll be in there next month as well for my “One to Watch” interview. Gosh, I feel like a celeb!

Stacy London from What Not to Wear was on Oprah today as were two guys with a new book I’ve never seen. What I wouldn’t do to get on Oprah. I’m certain I’ll have my chance one day. I just need to be patient and wait for the right opportunity. A chance to be on Oprah is like the gods of marketing smiling on you.

More Stacy – I also watched two hours of What Not to Wear tonight. That’s an addictive show for a fashionista like me. They do such a great job and they’re so entertaining. I can only hope that my show (whatever it’s called) will be close to that good. I’m really excited to make the pilot. I’m sure it will be great. I don’t do anything half-hearted, so I’m certain we’ll succeed.

Kristen Kaleal
President, Fusion Image Group
uniting image and innovation for a powerful presence
Image & Media Consulting
Cleveland, OH

p. (440) 742-0385
f. (440) 579-0100
e. kkaleal@aol.com
www.fusionimagegroup.com
www.clevelandwomen.com/fashion/kristenmain.htm

Show Girl

I’m so excited after my meeting yesterday with the TV people. I met with a programming director and a production company about producing a style show. We’re going to do a pilot and see if there’s interest from sponsors. It will hit exactly the right demographic so I don’t see a reason why sponsors wouldn’t be interested!

Another wonderful thing about this show concept is that we can feature my friends who have interesting things to share. I know a lot of people in the image/beauty/style/etiquette world and I’ve learned a ton from them and I would love for them to share their knowledge with the rest of the viewing audience.

I gave the producers a list of about 30 ideas for shows and segments and makeovers we could do. Hopefully this will all work out and will be the start of something much bigger.

I’ll keep updating as the pilot is shot and hopefully picked up.

The Star Treatment

I feel like a celebrity this week! I’m not used to all this attention. Today I have a meeting about developing a style TV show!!! Thursday is an interview with Inside Business magazine (www.inside-business.com), where I’ll be featured in a “One to Watch” interview. Friday is an interview with the Cool Cleveland website (www.coolcleveland.com) and after that is the photo shoot for Inside Business.

Okay, so it’s not Oprah or Today, but it’s pretty cool nonetheless. I’m very excited.

Perhaps I’m most thrilled about the TV show idea, which I will talk more about in a later blog, but I’m also delighted to be featured in Inside Business. One young professional is profiled on the last page every month. It’s kind of a hip interview with little sound bite-y answers. I better practice being brief! It’s really an honor to be recognized as One2Watch. Not only do they choose up-and-coming professionals, but they must also be civic-minded, which I am.

In addition to my image consulting business, I write a style column for the ClevelandWomen.com site. I volunteer for Dress for Success Cleveland. I used to be a personal shopper, where I would pick out interview clothing for their clients. My time became very limited so I now speak for their Professional Women’s Group a few times a year. I think I can make more of an impact that way. I can reach 20+ women at a time, which is nice.

I’m also so excited about the Cleveland Women’s Leadership Link networking group that my friend DeLiska McGhee-Haggins (“Dee”) and I are starting. Dee and I met in 10th grade at Euclid High as cheerleaders. We reconnected at a Beachwood Chamber event last year and we both felt there was no networking group that was meeting our needs here in Cleveland. There is definitely no lack of women’s groups, but they all are imperfect in their own ways. So we got a wonderful group of women together to plan a launch event at the House of Blues Foundation Room. It kicks off on May 10th. I can’t wait.

We won’t just be a networking group but we’re planning to have a mentorship segment which will allow us to work with young women from area colleges. It’s so important to know the right people. I started learning that too late. It will be a distinct advantage to these young women to have an “in” with area companies and women in their industries.

We also want to be part of the Cleveland Brain Gain. It’s all about attracting talented people to our region and keeping college grads here. I consider myself a Brain Re-Gain. I couldn’t wait to leave Cleveland. Then I did for 2 ½ years. I moved to Las Vegas. But I ended up right back here. And I was plotting my next move to a warmer, hipper place when something strange happened. I became submerged in the business community and culture here and discovered that good things are really happening here and highly-motivated people are making them happen. It’s all about being around the right people. Like-minded people can make amazing things happen.

So I’ll bask in my week in the sun, then next week, I will be back to working really hard to make my own amazing things happen.

Book Girl

I’ve been working on my book concept for at least the past three years. My internal clock is telling me that now is the right time to work on getting it published. I’m attending the Book Expo in DC next month to get the ball rolling.

I think it’s about time for this book. Doing what I do, I hear so many complaints about how young people dress. Whether it’s the parents or recruiters or career center staff, no one seems to have an answer about how to teach young women how to dress. Through my studies and training, I have the answers. And I’m putting them in my book.

In addition to teaching young women about first impressions, grooming and sensible wardrobe development, my book will help them avoid the traps that can sabotage their credibility in the workplace – showing too much skin, very long hair, dressing too trendy, and the myriad other things that can spell career doom.

After the first book, I’m hoping to write a follow-up about dressing for young men. But the women’s is more desperately needed right now. Men are lucky because they have rules. Women don’t and that’s why the result is what we see in the workplace today.

Cars & Style

I went to the Lexus Style Show at Playhouse Square in Cleveland last night. Many of the beautiful people in Cleveland were there. It was the unveiling of the new Lexus ES 350 along with a style show featuring clothing from an upscale shopping center in town.

The weather yesterday was absolutely beautiful, almost 70 degrees, which made people really want to get out.

I don’t think that they anticipated the crowd. It was so packed that people were being shown to an overflow area in the lobby of an adjacent theater. Maybe people were there for the free food and drinks. I was there for the clothes, and I suspect the 50% of the crowd that were guys were there for the cars.

The new Lexus is nice, but it didn’t hit my hot button. I’m looking more at sporty cars right now – and convertibles. I know they’re not the best choice in a place like Cleveland, but I want one!
Getting back to the subject at hand….

Kilgore Trout presented the fashion show and there were some really nice looking pieces in it. I don’t regularly shop there, so I don’t keep up with what they have. We saw some very casual items – I can’t believe the Bermuda short is back for women – a flat front style that doesn’t flatter if you have heavier thighs or hips. Lots of capris. I don’t think they’re going out until we get sick of them. Even I gave in and started wearing them in the last two or three years. Love the new distressed denim jacket look. It’s nice that they’re more tailored now. It’s a must-have these days. Although nothing screams eighties more than a shapeless jean jacket.

Also, metallics are in, but now they are very subdued. You may see a hint of metallic in the weave of a fabric, but nothing over the top. Metallic fabrics can be overpowering, so worn in moderation, they are great.

Some great looking Armani and Zegna suits for guys too. I don’t see any of them working for the office – especially the light grey with sort of a sheen. I love menswear, so I was very eager to see that part of the show. It didn’t disappoint.

All in all, it was an interesting evening. I was glad to see the new Lexus and it was nice to see warm weather clothes. I’m really looking forward to summer!

Kristen Kaleal
President, Fusion Image Group
uniting image and innovation for a powerful presence
Image & Media Consulting
Cleveland, OH

p. (440) 742-0385
f. (440) 579-0100
e. kkaleal@aol.com
www.fusionimagegroup.com
www.clevelandwomen.com/fashion/kristenmain.htm

It’s All About the Hair

I’ll admit it, I’m an addict. I’m totally addicted to the show “Blow Out” on Bravo. If you haven’t seen it, it’s a reality show about hotheaded LA salon owner and entrepreneur Jonathan Antin. Of course, we’re also reminded constantly that he’s a superstar in the world of hair. Actually, besides Vidal Sassoon, he’s the only person I know about in the world of hair, save for my stylist Nadine and a couple other local hair people.

So what makes Jonathan so special? I’m going to say it’s his ego and his quest for great hair. He throws fits and tantrums but if at the end of the day he makes someone’s hair look great, then it’s all worth it. He may alienate everyone he’s ever met, but if great hair results, that’s all that matters.

Watching him in action is what’s addictive. It’s amazing what is possible when your vision is crystal clear in your own mind. People follow. He inspires me.

Here's to great hair.


Kristen Kaleal
President, Fusion Image Group
uniting image and innovation for a powerful presence
Image & Media Consulting
Cleveland, OH

p. (440) 742-0385
f. (440) 579-0100
e. kkaleal@aol.com
www.fusionimagegroup.com
www.clevelandwomen.com/fashion/kristenmain.htm

About Me

My name is Kristen Kaleal and I am an image consultant in Cleveland, OH. I was born and raised in the Cleveland suburbs, attended Euclid High School and John Carroll University. I lived in Las Vegas for about 2-1/2 years. It was while I was there that I learned about image and started taking classes in color, body line analysis, wardrobe development, core wardrobing, professional image for the workplace, and business casual.

It wasn’t until later that teaching others about image – especially young people – would become my calling in life.

The three main areas of my work are speaking at colleges with my Cracking the Dress CodeTM program, speaking for women’s groups with my Developing Your Image QuotientTM program, and currently, I am branching out into image and branding for professional athletes.

I love what I do and couldn’t imagine doing anything else!


Kristen Kaleal
President, Fusion Image Group
uniting image and innovation for a powerful presence
Image & Media Consulting
Cleveland, OH

p. (440) 742-0385
f. (440) 579-0100
e. kkaleal@aol.com
www.fusionimagegroup.com
www.clevelandwomen.com/fashion/kristenmain.htm