Wardrobe Mixology Revisited

Originally published July 2007; posted on blog Oct 2007.

Please keep in mind that I no longer own most of these clothes!! :)

 

One of the most frequent challenges facing my female clients, as well as one of the most popular questions I am asked, is how to make one's wardrobe more interesting.

 

For some women, clothes are simply utilitarian and serve a purely functional purpose. These may be the women who have way too many pairs of jeans or call black pants their most valuable fashion asset. Or they may simply be stuck in a style rut - never varying their standard look.
 

People always know what to expect from them - whether it's a twinset, T-shirt, or even fancy shoes. They may fear that they have become too boring and predictable.
 

If you're one of those women who routinely plays it safe, but feels uninteresting and knows she is missing out on something, it's time to add some fun to your wardrobe.
 

And if you're one of those who is routinely fabulous, there is a way to take your fabulosity to the next level.

I get a lot of comments about the way I dress. When women say, "I could never put that kind of an outfit together - how do you know it's all going to work together when you put it on?" My secrets? Start by only buying clothes you love. Dress in what expresses your mood.

And throw them a curve. 

Color and pattern not only communicate our feelings to the world, but they can also have an immediate effect on our own mood!

For more of my secrets for wearing patterns, click here.

Here's how to use this little guide:

We have our BASICS - our base garments. The vodka of our wardrobe. The pieces that can be construed as a little boring if we aren't careful.

But if we don't have these pieces, then our wardrobe has no solid foundation and we may end up looking like we have no clue about how to put an outfit together.

Next, add a SHOT. This is if you're a typically uninteresting dresser, or if you feel like you're missing something. Go for a quick shot of something unanticipated. A bright teal blouse. Red pumps. Zebra print bag.

And if you're a little more daring, throw in a TWIST of the truly unexpected (maybe even over the top) to the outfit. Something that says "WOW". An item that truly sings. A piece that no one saw coming, but makes people stand up, take notice, and tells them that you know exactly what you're doing, stylishly speaking.

Here are a few examples from my own closet:

1)
BASICS - Gray jacket, black pants (boring!) SHOT - Bright red shirt
TWIST - Gold bag and leopard print shoes.

Cool colors and warm colors can go together beautifully.

---

2)
BASICS - White denim jacket
SHOT - Here, the base garment is the shot - an orange T-shirt and cotton skirt
TWIST - Accessories! Both the necklace and bag had the same colors in them, so I simply pulled out the teal from both and selected patent teal slingbacks.

Casually elegant!

3)
BASICS - Dark wash jeans
SHOT - Lemon yellow twinset
TWIST - Red ballet flats and red polka dot tote

Put this together in 2 minutes one day! Looked like I had actually put thought into it.

---

4)
BASICS - White pants with black pinstripe
SHOT - Black patterned top, gold shoes
TWIST - The straw bag adds another layer to this outfit.

Playing with texture can be fun.

---

Here are 3 rules for adding color and pattern into your own wardrobe!

1. Have a color palette you shop within. When you find pieces like purses, shoes or necklaces that incorporate a lot of the colors you wear, buy them!

2. Buy items together. If you pick up a pair of great looking royal patent slides, pick up a top that matches them as well as a bracelet or necklace, perhaps. It's not the idea that you will wear all of these items at one time - don't be "matchy-matchy" - the idea is that you have the option to wear a couple of them at a time to look put together.

It does an amazing job of curing "I have nothing to wear" syndrome. Trust me on this.

3. Use RESTRAINT. 

I say this very seriously. There is a fine line between being enjoying color, pattern and accessories and being a fashion victim. 

Use the rule of two. Wear a maximum of two patterns. Repeat an accent color only twice. Two colors in your outfit gives you a better basis to add interesting accessories.

Of course, rules are meant to be broken, but having the basic knowledge will take your wardrobe to that next level, help you be more daring, and truly enjoy getting dressed and have fun with your clothes. 

Isn't that what it's all about?

CHEERS!

So Long, Scarf Barf Bin!

Admittedly, I rarely wear scarves nowadays and I've only kept my favorites from the days when I used to wear them regularly. For the longest time, I have had scarves galore piled in a plastic bin because I've been looking for a solution which did not involve hanging them on hooks in my closet. I feel like the real estate on my closet walls is too precious for items I don't use often.

My "scarf barf bin" drove me nuts because I would just toss scarves in there haphazardly regardless of quality of materials, each individual scarf's tendency to wrinkle or warp, or the opportunity for them to actually be damaged. It was a mishmash of colors, lengths and seasons (summery light gauze, tangled with orange and black skulls-and-crossbones, for example), plus several of my dog's bandannas thrown in for good measure.

I've been so frustrated but have had no solution.

I found these metal rings at the craft store. They're exactly like binder rings from the office supply store, only larger. I bought the three inch variety to store my scarves. They are $0.77 for a pack of two. Not too shabby.

I decided to hang them from a skirt hanger for two reasons: 1) I want them to hang in my closet with the rest of my clothes so they are close by and will be seen and (hopefully) used, but won't take up valuable wall space on hooks or pegs; and 2) the clips on the crystal hanger will help keep the rings balanced.

Orange skulls & crossbones, second from right. See, I wasn't lying!

I also bought 2.5" rings for my necklaces, but that will be a work in progress for some time. I'm looking forward to showing them off one of these days! (And to being able to find the ones I want when I want them. It has been bead bedlam and choker chaos for too long!!!)

What wardrobe organization dilemmas have been bugging you?

Wearable Spring Jewelry Trends

Musings from a Sole Diva

Give a girl the correct footwear and she can conquer the world.

- Bette Midler

What is it with women and shoes, anyway? Have you ever wondered why we are attracted to and feel compelled to purchase so many of them? Is it our womanly right to have as many shoes as we desire (or can afford)? Why are the words "women" and "shoes" forever linked in infamy? And why do men need 3 only pairs of shoes when the correct number for women is infinity? Am I the only person who thinks of such things? Probably, but indulge me anyway! Let’s take a peek at why, intentionally or unintentionally, every woman channels her own inner Imelda Marcos.

If the Shoe Fits…

Unlike men’s clothing, women’s clothing sizes are inconsistent and all over the place. What may be a size 6 in one designer may be a size 8 in another. There is no consistent method used for creating women’s clothing, and we all are shaped differently. What happens when you think you are a size 10 but instead a 12 fits because of the designer you selected? It doesn’t make you feel good, does it? If you’re like the rest of us, you probably feel disappointed, your self image is shaken, and you may want to rush into a crash diet, right?

For whatever reason, we internalize our clothing size, beating ourselves up if we aren’t the size we think we should be. Feeling rejected, we may find ourselves in the shoe department. Here, if we try on a pair that is a little snug, chances are we won’t have a full-on identity crisis like we did in the fitting room, right ladies? We just go up a half-size. We think of this as the manufacturer’s problem, not our issue. Problem solved - and another pair finds its way into in our closet.

Therapy for the Sole?

I happen to think that there are two things that never reject women – food and shoes. We use both for comfort and as positive reinforcement. Not that either is particularly healthy for us. I would rather have a smokin’ pair of strappy stilettos over a piece of cheesecake any day, but different women use different diversions to get through tough times. A relationship gone bad, issues with friends, and strife at work all seem to be lessened with a little momentary splurge.

But when you come down from the high from your funky new Marc Jacobs stilettos or when the sugar rush wears off, you’re still left with a problem that isn’t remedied. So the diversion of buying new shoes or indulging in some serious caloric intake won’t make the challenges of the real world go away. It just lessens the impact for an hour or two. Problem not solved – but somehow we still end up with more shoes.

The Shoe Hoarder

Psychological factors aside, there happen to be legitimate reasons why we seem to require a lot of shoes. We have a vast array of clothing needs that are very different from men. While traditionally, guys have the option of wearing pants most of the time, or shorts sometimes, women need different shoes for pants, capris, short skirts, long skirts, casual styles, dressy styles, and the list can go on and on. We need specific shoes and heel heights for our diverse wardrobe. Not to mention basic colors and accent colors, and different shoes for the cold and warm seasons! What does this turn into?

A wardrobe full of shoes, of course! Problem solved?? Fortunately, we are limited by budget and space, and eventually one or the other will run out! Hopefully this will happen before the A&E camera crews make their way to your house.

MY TRUE SHOE CONFESSIONS

Here’s some stuff I’m not too proud of, but feel I feel the need to get it off my feet….

1. I buy knockoff shoes (sometimes)

Yes, this is the same person who said don’t, under any circumstances, buy a fake bag! A knockoff shoe merely means that a style a famous maker created is produced with a slight variation in style and typically, with less expensive materials. You would be surprised how many high-end and low-end shoes are made in the very same factory, but the label makes all the difference in the price point! On frivolous shoe purchases, such as the 4” faux pony hair leopard peeptoe Steve Madden knockoffs I bought, I spend as little as possible. Shoes like this will spend most of their shelf life in your closet, so I would advise skimping on fun accent shoes such as these.

2. I don’t care what my shoes are made of

I’m a vegetarian - almost a vegan. Have been since I was a kid. But I will buy almost any kind of animal skin or fur to wear on my feet without thinking twice! They just have to be cute. (Next thing I know, PETA will be aiming buckets of paint at my feet!) I don’t care to own a leather coat, I would never wear real fur, but basically I would wear endangered snow leopard cub fur-lined boots if they looked cute enough.

(I am joking, of course. I would never wear endangered snow leopard cub fur! But I do have a couple of non-endangered skins and hairs that I’m not too proud of as a bona fide veg – sorry! I assure you they are really cute though!!)

3. I buy quantity over quality

There are 5 Basic Shoe Styles that every woman should have in her closet. This is where to be sure to buy quality since these are your workhorses and should last for several seasons.

1) Tall black or brown boots 2) Basic sneakers 3) Flats or loafers 4) Basic black stiletto pumps and 5) Strappy metallic sandals.

Once the basics are taken care of, I’m all about quantity, quantity, quantity!! The more shoes, the merrier!!! (Yes, I have a problem – but at least my feet always look good!!)

***

It’s funny that almost every guy I meet thinks his woman is the only one with a truckload of shoes. I assure them that while yes, we all love shoes (some of us more than others), the clothing that we wear necessitates at least seven pairs of black heels (I am such an enabler!) as well as various combinations of boots, sandals, flats, wedges, platforms, mules, etc, etc.

I tell them that we need our shoes because they complete our outfits. What I don’t mention is that in some bizarre cosmic way they may also complete us.

Kristen Kaleal is a wardrobe stylist who knows that the day she can no longer pull off five inch heels is the day that she will have to admit she is short. And that will not be a happy day. But until then, she's walkin' tall and writing quirky things about herself in the third person.

Winter ReBoot

(I'm also rebooting this column, first published 12/10/09)

 As I was grudgingly going through my boot collection in preparation for Jack Frost hitting the Midwest this week, I remembered a helpful tip I learned a few years ago. 

We're all looking for ways to reuse, renew and recycle these days, so here's a way to recycle your old magazines and keep your tall boots in shape.

It's simple. Roll up a magazine (I like "meatier" mags like Vogue or O) and put one in each boot. 

The boots will stand at attention ready for you, whether you wear them on a daily basis or need to store them during the warmer months.

This technique is a far more reasonable alternative to pricey boot trees:

 

If you look at this the way I do (and I really hope you don't), the money saved on buying boot trees will allow you to BUY MORE BOOTS!

Mmmm.....warmer months........

Stop taunting me, Atlantis commericals. 

I may just have to take you up on a winter mini-vacay.

I'm ready for it after a day and a half. 

What a whiner!

Clothe Your Personality

Have you ever been in a dressing room trying something on that looked great on the hanger, but when you put it on your body, you literally felt like literally leaping out of your skin? 

Maybe it was a frilly dress you wanted to wear to a wedding, when you’re really a jeans and T-shirt kind of girl. Or you may have tried on a classic suit - because everyone is "supposed" to have one, even though you are naturally more of a fun and trendy dresser. 

Perhaps it felt so wrong on you that your body was completely rejecting it!

Now think about your closet for a second. Is every article of clothing, every accessory, every single item in there a true reflection of YOU - not only does it flatter the way you look - your coloring and body shape - but does it also honor who you are on the inside? 

Does it feel right when you put it on, or do you feel like you are wearing someone else's clothes? Is your style consistent every day?  And does it reflect who you truly are?

Make no mistake about it, discovering your own personal style is empowering. It will save you time and money and will make every day a pleasure to get dressed. It turns simply wearing clothes into a true expression of who you are now and the person you want to be.

Fashion personality is what separates the style icons like Jackie O., Princess Di, and Audrey Hepburn and even fictional characters Annie Hall and Carrie Bradshaw - from the wannabes.

These are people and characters who understood themselves and found their true style.  It became a manifestation of who they were. Whether through simplicity or creativity, they knew themselves and how to express their personality traits on the outside. In other words, they were comfortable in their own skin.

I know, for instance, that when I go into a department store, there may be ten clothing items in the entire place that will truly clothe both my body and my personality. When I'm not wearing what I feel my best in, I don't feel quite as "me."

That's what the concept of fashion personality is all about. Once you figure out the colors that harmonize with your unique coloring and after you learn to respect your body - the good, the not-so-good and the stuff you cannot change without a major investment in cosmetic surgery, the next logical step is to understand how to buy what expresses you.

Think about it this way - rebellious teenagers do this naturally."I'm gonna wear what I want, and if you don't like it, tough!"

So why is it that as we get older, we become more afraid to be unique? We are all individuals, so why not celebrate those differences in the way we dress? There isn’t anyone telling you that you cannot wear a colorful or funky pair of shoes that you love or a fun top or earrings. If it feels right, doesn’t offend anyone and maintains your dignity, who says you can't go for it? 

So what is YOUR unique fashion personality? Most of us are a combination of at least two of them.  

Alluring - Love to wear body-conscious shapes, low necklines, sexy shoes, etc.

Classic – Gravitate toward tailored lines, are conservative and polished

Dramatic - Like bold clothing, like to draw attention to themselves!

Romantic - Soft and feminine, they love how fabrics feel!

Natural - Minimal in approach, they tend like functionality and tend to gravitate toward texture

Creative - Anything goes, mix and match – they value creative expression

How do you determine your own personality?  Well, you probably know yourself pretty well already! But ask yourself these questions:

1. How would you describe your current fashion style?

2. Who is your style icon?

3. If you could have only two things in your closet, what would they be

4. How would someone describe you in terms of your clothes?

5. What would you never be caught wearing?

6. If you had unlimited store credit, where would you shop?

7. What do you wish you could wear, but can't seem to pull it off?

Perhaps the easiest way to figure out your own fashion personality is to take a look at your accessories. 

Dramatics like accessories that make a big statement. Classics love traditional pieces like simple pumps and a pearl necklace. Naturals like to keep it simple – maybe a pair of hoops and a functional shoe. Romantics love soft textures, feminine swirls and sparkle. Creative personalities tend to wear whatever they feel like wearing, and Alluring women wear accessories with sex appeal – whether showing off sexy red toenails or a Y-shaped necklace worn with a plunging neckline. 

Can you figure out what fashion personality would wear each of these shoes?

Remember, your fashion life is an adventure. Celebrate it!  Nothing is right or wrong if it expresses your personality and makes you feel amazing! 

Answers     

a) Classic d) Romantic b) Alluring e) Creative c) Natural f) Dramatic

 

New Year's Cures for a Style Slump

Hi Friends!

It's time for New Year's Resolutions!

Did you know that a change on the outside can serve as a catalyst for changing what we want to change on the inside? It can be tough to alter certain aspects of our lives when the proof that we are changing (what is on the outside) remains the same.

It doesn't have to be a dramatic before and after makeover, but a visible change can put you in a positive frame of mind to reach your goals in 2010.

It is never good to become complacent. Far too many of us get stuck with a style that we are comfortable with and it becomes an all too-familiar rut. Whether we’ve had the same hairstyle for 5 years, wear a daily “uniform”, or put our makeup on exactly the same way every single day.

Don’t get me wrong – there isn’t anything wrong with comfort. Many of us like our comfort zones and they work well for us. But sometimes we can become too attached to a routine, style or method and before we realize it, we have become quite resistant to change. One rut can lead to another, which can snowball into our whole lives becoming one big forgettable routine. Even those who bask in their blandness (I know several of you – and I know you are eagerly reading this!) can benefit from mixing it up once in awhile.

Many of my clients tell me they are stuck in a style and don’t know why. Their goal is to look “more interesting” but they don’t know exactly what that means to them – or how to get there.

Here are four ways I recommend to my clients to help pull them out of their fashion ruts. The best part is that you can apply them TODAY!

Get ready to make your New Year more stylish – one step at a time.

1. Expand your reading material

If you’re stuck in a Redbook, Good Housekeeping or Real Simple frame of mind, pick up a few magazines you normally wouldn't read. The aforementioned magazines generally recycle the same style advice month after month and it will do nothing to make your clothing selection more exciting.

Think more along the lines of my personal fave, InStyle – but also look at Elle, Vogue, Lucky, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar, or even – gasp – Cosmo! Yes, some of the fashion can be "out there", but don’t lose heart - it's more important to see what’s happening in the fashion world and get ideas.

 

New Year's Challenge:  Start a “look book” of pictures of what you feel fits your style and what you would be comfortable wearing, plus some accessorizing ideas you can use in your own wardrobe.

2. Try a few new stores

Go to the mall and look around at Express, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Arden B., H&M, or other retailers you normally wouldn't frequent if you're stuck in a “department store” mentality. Or try a smaller step - venture out of your favorite section of the department store and explore the more trendy parts of the store.

Try clothes on! Even if you always gravitate toward the same styles, you are missing out on a lot if you just look and don't try anything on.

Find a couple of hours this month to go out by yourself or with a friend (not a hubby or boyfriend) and explore the mall in a way you've never done before or haven't done in years. Report back to me. What did you discover about what's out there? What were you attracted to? What did you try on? How did it make you feel?

New Year's Challenge: Buy something totally unexpected that you love but would never buy “in a million years” – AND WEAR IT!  

3. Explore Color

What colors are you attracted to? For most people, their color preferences change based on their mood and the time of year.

Most of us have the basics we need – navy, black, gray and brown. But they need to be punched up with accent colors to be more exciting.

By wearing colors you love, you will not only look updated but you will feel a definite lift in your spirits! Wearing color has been proven time and again to be extremely powerful mood enhancer.

New Year's Challenge:  Find an accent color or two that you like and buy a few pieces in the same shade (i.e., berry red, fuchsia, forest green, etc). Try a turtle neck, a winter scarf, gloves, hat, long-sleeve tee, purse, or even a camisole in your shade.

(Please only wear a couple pieces at the same time or the matchy-matchy police will arrest you.)

4. Update your Accessories, Shoes, and Hair

The easiest and most budget-friendly way to update your wardrobe is with accessories. Try a funky necklace or bracelet. Or look for a hot new handbag (ask the sales associate what's in and they will point you in the right direction).

I tend to buy a lot of my fun accessories at Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe.

Or buy a colorful pair of boots!

Another place many people get stuck is with their eyeglasses – only changing when their prescription changes. Don’t do this! Invest in new eyeglasses (stores always have deals!) even if your prescription still works for you. Or change your hair a little - get highlights or lowlights if you've never tried them before. Or change your hairstyle – if only slightly.

New Year's Challenge: Buy one new accessory or make one makeup or hair tweak every week. Write these down in a small notebook. Over the year, you will see how you’ve evolved. It’s really rewarding and will set the stage for further change and style (and life) victories!

***

Remember that just as you change and evolve as a person, your style should grow and change right along with you. Don't use this as a one-time fix. Make time for yourself at least once every season and give yourself time to explore what the stores are offering and decide what the next version of YOU should look like.

Gentle steps out of your comfort zone will not only help you break free from your style rut, but will set the stage for success in other facets of your life as well!

Wishing you a happy and stylish 2010!!!

Women: The best way to carry business cards

A wise image consultant once gave me a great bit of advice: Instead of using one of those tiny little metal business card holders, carry your cards in a decorative cigarette case.

But the question is: Since the glamorous heyday of smoking is long gone, where can you find them?

Cigar stores are few and far between nowadays. Sometimes you can find them in vintage or antique stores if you enjoy the thrill of the hunt. I ordered my antique silver case on ebay for about $10.

What made me think of this today is that I actually saw stylish cigarette cases at a store that is accessible to most of the U.S. - teenybopperish mall accessories store, ICING.

The difference between a cigarette case and a traditional metal business card case is the depth. When I used the monogrammed business card case I was given when I started my business, I was constantly replenishing my cards. If I was going to a big networking event, I had to find another place to stash extra cards where they wouldn't bend or warp. What an inconvenience.

There is also room in a cigarette case for your cards on one side and the cards you collect from others on the opposite side. So you won't ever have to worry about how you carry around business cards again.

For business women, it also adds to your professional image to have an attractive and easily accessible place for your cards. The other benefit is that you aren't just throwing the cards you collect into your bag (which is what I often did - VERY BAD - and disrespectful!).

My one question that remains after seeing cigarette cases in a mainstream store...

Is the ICING store trying to make smoking cool again? Or encourage more women to go into business? Hmmmm....

Fishnets: Not just for Dr. Frank-N-Furter

When it's chilly outside, I tend to wear skirts with tall boots quite a bit. I'm not a huge fan of tights. If it were up to me, I would just run around with bare legs all fall and winter (and flip-flops too!). But that would be silly and I would get sick.

Over the last few years, the unexpected solution to this dilemma has been fishnet stockings.

In the past, if I couldn't find a pair of tights that matched a skirt or boots perfectly, I wouldn't wear the outfit. For instance, I have a plum corduroy skirt that I love and wanted desperately to wear. Good luck finding a matching shade of tights though. I hunted all over the U.S. and part of Canada and found none. The other usual go-to shades, black or brown, also weren't quite right. Neither were 'just a little off' colors like purple or burgundy. The only answer that made sense was nude-colored fishnets and tan boots.

They worked so perfectly that I had an epiphany: When nothing else works, fishnets are sometimes the answer. They increase one's cold weather dressing options immensely.

I know that they have a questionable past. Most people think of ladies of the evening. To me, they have always brought to mind misfits from midnight showings of Rocky Horror.

Just a sweet transvestite...

But that has all changed as they've become so readily available in so many shapes, colors, styles and sizes. Fishnet stockings don’t have to match your skirt or boot precisely, but they should work to blend the two together so that your legs are covered and they don’t attract unwanted attention. Think of them more as a finishing point (working in unison with the other pieces you’re wearing to complete your outfit) than as focal point to draw the eye down to your legs. Unless you want that, of course ;)

Here are a few pointers:
1. They work best with a skirt that ends just at or right above the knee. They are also fine with long skirts. Wear fishnets with a miniskirt at your own risk.

2. I prefer to wear them with knee-high boots - pairing with pumps is okay too. I'm not a big fan of wearing fishnets with sandals for dressy occasions, but with peeptoes, they are fine.

3. If your outfit is “busy”, go for plain tights. If you want to wear fishnets, the more basic the outfit, the better. If you want to wear them with a print, see #4.

4. The tighter the fishnet weave , the more they look like a solid from far away. Smaller patterns are also dressier.

5. Try to match either your hemline color or boot as well as possible for a seamless transition

And a few words of warning:
* Make sure they don’t have a seam up the back for obvious reasons.
* Medium or small sized patterns work best.
* If they get a hole in them, they must be discarded. No holey fishnets.
* Don’t opt for thigh-highs.
* And NEVER buy your fishnets in a Halloween store!

The one time when I don't want a margarita:

A fashion lesson

This is an extreme example, but it works for anyone, regardless of what you wear on a daily basis, from professional clothing to your casual gear.

The name of the guilty party has been withheld. But she knows who she is.

I attended an event today and found the offending party in full Margaritaville regalia. And no, she does not work for the restaurant chain.

The outfit consisted of:

- Black Margaritaville track suit with sparkly logo on front and huge lime green sparkly margarita on back

- Black Margaritaville T-shirt with same sparkly lime green sparkly margarita on front

- Dangly silver chain earrings

- Massive silver chain necklace with big lime green pendant (and she was very proud that she can change the pendant's color depending on what she is wearing)

- Mega-sequined silver flip-flops

The theme, colors and sparkles were so overdone that she looked one of the Over-60 Housewives of Palm Beach!

This is someone who should know better. She is also someone I dress occasionally. When I asked her about the outfit, she snapped that she wasn't going to a fashion show. I wasn't saying that she looked horrible. My concern was that she was trying way too hard to look stylish.

Here's why:
- I'm all for sparkles and glitz, but if you're of a certain age, they can age you

- Too much flair can be deadly
Where was the flair in this outfit? Everywhere! From the dangly earrings to the extra large necklace, the sparkles all over the front and back of the outfit, as well as the glittery flip-flops. Each eye-catching piece is another distraction. Those distractions take away attention from the person, where it is supposed to be, and put all the focus on the miscellaneous stuff they're wearing. The eye jumps from sparkle to bright color to the movement of the jewelry.

- Mix it up!
If you have an outfit that you bought together and matches, split up the pieces sometimes. Even if you need to force yourself to do it. There is no law that says you have to wear all the pieces together. For her age, I would have loved to see her in stylish jeans, a white T-shirt, and that sequined black zip-up track suit jacket. In this outfit, less would have been more. Even if all the clothing pieces stayed the same and she really wanted to wear a necklace, a smaller, less colorful piece would have been better.

My philosophy is that a 5 year old can match their clothes. It takes more creativity and style to think outside the box and put outfits together. At most, repeat an accent color (lime, in this case) a maximum of three times. My magic number happens to be twice - just enough so that it looks like I put some thought into my outfit, but not so much thought that it looks contrived.

There is a difference between caring how you look and being too aware of your appearance. True style - whether you really have it or if you're faking it like so many of us do - relies on being comfortable with yourself and making what you choose to wear look effortless.

Get Your Career (in) Gear

My article from Jobpostings Magazine (2/08)

You have everything you need to wow them in the interview, right? A killer resume, a successful internship behind you, the compulsory dark suit – hey, you even have shiny, new shoes! You have it all together to not only get the job, but also to put yourself ahead on the track to success. Right?

Well, yes and no.

Selecting the right career accessories can take you to the next level in being branded as a credible professional. Your accessories will communicate more than just your good taste. Your appearance details are a sure sign that you care for the details in your job as well.

What’s in the Bag?
Carrying a bag to your interview is just smart. Not only do you look like you have already arrived at the golden gates of success, but you can stash a couple extra copies of your resume and a pad of paper and pen in it as well. For men, the attaché or the messenger bag you carry should be of quality materials – preferably leather – but I have seen nice ones in heavier fabrics like tweed.

Be aware that there are a lot of cheap leather substitutes out there. Buy the best quality you can afford. Your bag should be black or brown, or perhaps try matching your hair color. For women, carry a tote bag or attaché case with a small “wristlet”-style purse inside for your money and makeup. This way, you have the option of carrying everything you need to an interview but can also carry materials back and forth to work once you have the job.

The smaller “bag within a bag” concept allows you to run out for coffee or lunch without having to take your larger tote along everywhere you go. A woman’s tote should be a conservative color for the interview – black or brown. But once you have the job, depending on the industry you work in, you can always branch out into fun colours or subtle patterns to add a little spice to your work wardrobe.

Watch Out
Research tells us that the watch, which used to be a standard workplace accessory, may be going the way of the dinosaurs because we have so many other gadgets that tell us the time. From our computer screens to our cell phones and BlackBerries, who needs a watch these days anyway? An elegant watch speaks a subtle yet eloquent language. It not only says you are sophisticated, but it also quietly states that you value your time, and others’ time as well. Your choice in watch should be analog (leave the digital watch in 10th grade) and should have a metal band – this means gold or silver or both. If you work in a business casual office, a leather band with contrasting topstitching will also look quite sharp.

Gadgets and Gizmos
Keep the number of phones, BlackBerrys, pagers and PDAs you have on your person at any one time to an absolute minimum. We live in a world where most of us have more than one device that we can clip on ourselves. While it may make you feel important at first to be entrusted with so much technology, carrying it around quickly becomes old.

For men, if you do need to wear a piece of communication technology clipped to your belt, make sure that the case is functional and presentable, and only wear one at any time. Women should be sure to have a clip on their cell phone, which you can affix to the inside of your tote. Nothing is worse than “fishing” for your phone in the bottom of your bag when it is ringing, and missing an important call from your boss. Learning to accessorize for success will boost your level of sophistication and help you along on your career path.

Kristen Kaleal is an image consultant and professional wardrobe stylist in Cleveland, OH. Learn more about her here.

Fake Purse Ninja

I saw a girl carrying a really bad fake Prada bag last night. Thankfully, I don’t see a lot of faux bags anymore, but I decided to dig this article out of the KK archives to remind the world just how bad fake designer bags are - and give a few tips in case you're trying to buy the real thing.

One cannot help but notice the proliferation of so-called "status" bags all throughout the country. What was once an indulgence set aside for ladies of wealth, the designer label handbag has seen its stock take a tumble in recent years.

Many women see no problem with having one or more knockoff bags in their closet. I take issue with this. Not because I am or will ever be a "purse snob" - if such a thing exists - but because fakes have caused the value - both real and perceived - of high-end goods to drop such an extent.

I don't even have a desire to buy a status bag because it would most likely be seen as just another fake, even it I had paid $1800 for it and it came right from inside the locked glass counter at Neiman Marcus. I would have to carry the receipt around and wave it in everyone's face so they would know it was real!

Wouldn't THAT defeat the purpose of an elegant, high quality designer bag??

I will admit that some of my friends carry decent knockoffs and I've even been to a fake purse party (shame on KK!!) but did not indulge (good KK!!)

I’ve even been to a secret back room on Canal Street (the place for buying the best to the worst designer knockoffs) and saw some darn good fakes.

Like all major purchases, if you are going to buy a luxury bag, be sure to do your homework on what you are buying before you plunk down a big chunk of change. Be aware of counterfeiters' shortcuts and watch out for scams.

So let's become "Fake Purse Ninjas" (anyone remember the movie Bowfinger??) and blow their cover!

How to Spot a Fake Bag

1. Know the Products

Sure, most status bags have easily-seen logos. Yes, when you see an "LV" logo, you're probably looking at a Louis Vuitton or a knockoff. That isn't the challenge. Flip through the pages of Vogue or Harpers Bazaar to check out the designers' ads or even read InStyle to see what the celebrities are carrying.

You don't think any celeb would be caught with a fake, do you? Look at the bags close up. Even better, go fantasy shopping and actually feel what a real(ly) expensive bag feels like. There is a palpable difference. You can feel the quality.

It is estimated that 99% of all Louis Vuitton branded goods in the world are fake!

Ironically, the iconic Louis Vuitton emblem was created in the late 19th century to deter counterfeiters!

2. The Materials

A cheap Canal Street (or fake purse party) knockoff will very likely be of suspect craftsmanship. To buy a real designer bag means paying big bucks for the name, but behind that name is true quality craftsmanship.

There shouldn't be puckered leather or imperfect stitching - ever - on a true designer bag. These are works of art and crafted in a way that we don't usually see in our "Made in China" world.

3. The Details

Doesn't everything always boil down to the little things? Zippers, lining, hardware, and trimmings will be heavier and distinct on a true designer item.

Certain Louis Vuitton bags even have antique hardware. The finer points will be more distinct. Bags will be lined with elegant fabrics you don't see in knockoffs.

On a high quality item, the "only you know it's there" details are what set apart the real deal from all the rest.

4. The Certificate of Authenticity

Finally, a quality bag comes with proof from the manufacturer that what you are buying is truly what you think you are buying.

Since so many bags are being sold on the secondhand market, such as ebay, expect for a true luxury bag to come with proof of its veracity. Naturally, counterfeiters are at least one step ahead of everyone else. So be aware that even a fake bag may come with a certificate.