No Dashing from Fashion

The Good the Bad and the Ugly

The Good News; this year there are more pretty, flirty, flattering Spring styles than you can count.  The Bad News; it’s hard just to pick one dress, slack, shirt, or jacket.

Thanks to designers like Dior, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and Donna Karan, fashion can be dashing.  With an unbelievable selection of fun fabrics and a hint of sophistication, shopping can become a play ground of fun even when shopping for essentials to add and update your wardrobe.   Now for the Ugly-  well there just isn’t any.  In the midst of so many wonderful fits and styles you can really spruce up and put a little spring back into your wardrobe.

Make sure you have your essential “multipliers”, and have them coordinated.  Shoes should match your belt; purses should match your shoes, and your shirts and slacks should be versatile enough that they play a role in your business or casual attire. 

 

Men, try something fun- pick up a shirt with some embroidery or fabulous print on it.  Right now shirts with snap buttons, plaids patterns, and epaulets are hot and look great as well.  Epaulets, if you don’t already know, are the button down straps on the top of the shoulders, like the ones you might see on some military uniforms.  Adding a French cuff shirt to your wardrobe is the easiest way to step up your style.  French cuff shirts are universal and timeless- they never go out of style, like a classic Rolex.  You can find French cuff shirts for any occasion- a shirt to go with your Diesel jeans, or one to upscale your business attire.  Cuff Links are as diverse as buttons these days- you can even find cuff links in the shape of a bottle and corkscrew which would be perfect for that cocktail party you’re going to.

Ladies, try to find some new accessories, like big hoop earrings, and maybe a loopy necklace to match.  Here’s a fun, but effective fashion strategy when shopping for accessories- coordinate the earrings, with your necklace, belt, shoes and even your purse.  You should focus on purchasing your accessories in sets, instead of accumulating random pieces on a whim- this will prevent the headache of trying to coordinate random accessories with an outfit later.  Just have fun with it but remember accessories can make or break your outfit, so don’t go overboard.

KS

If you need Fashion Advice, an image makeover, need to hire a Personal Shopper, or an Image Consultant in the New Jersey & Philadelphia area, please contact me, Karla, at NJFashionDiva@gmail.com.  We can tailor custom men's suits, dresses, and formal wear for any occassion.

Sadly “Daddly Jeans”

Men & Jeans; Either You’ve Got It or Forgot It.

Let’s start with they forgot it, and Sadly Daddly Jeans.  Seems like the majority of the men these days are wearing something we women like to call “Daddy Jeans”. These jeans have become a phenomenon occurring with men between the ages of 35 and 49.  Before these ages we can find men wearing Diesel Jeans, Do Denim, Fly Paper and Lucky Brand.  I’m not sure what occurs during this period of a man’s life but it’s almost like the brain has blown a fuse.

Gentlemen, if you are wearing jeans that are over your belly or you have a yard of fabric in your mid to lower region, and you’re between the ages of 35 and 49 you are wearing “Sadly Daddly Jeans”.  This means you have not looked in the mirror or bought a new pair of jeans in years.  I’m not saying that these jeans didn’t have a time or a place- I’m just saying that now is not the time or the place.  These Daddy jeans are acceptable home repair environments, gardening, or working on a greasy old car.  I’m not recommending a “sadly daddly” man to crowbar himself into a fashion forward pair of jeans for the sake of changing their look, especially if they feel awkward.  Even Levi’s, a company better known for their “man jeans”, offers a transition style for men looking to take the next step: The Levi’s 527s for example.

Men, there are some of you who have just “Got It”.  You’re the man who pays attention to ads in magazines, what people are wearing, and typically make efforts to purchase new clothes each season.  Getting it isn’t enough, understanding it helps.  Information is easy to find, you can use Google to learn about current trends, fashion, and style.  I recommend ‘people watching’ at your favorite watering hole, or even in Rittenhouse Square.  Don’t hesitate to simply ask someone whose fashion sense speaks to you, where they buy their clothes.  Just remember not all modern trends are for everybody.  Pay attention to your body type, height, and weight when choosing something new.

Those of you wearing “Sadly Daddly” jeans, don’t fret.  You can break free and feel comfortable with your choices just following a few simple rules:  1) Find a look that interests you.  2) Keep in mind your body type, height, and weight.  3) Don’t buy something your uncomfortable wearing.  There are too many choices out there today, so find something suitable for you.

Doesn’t it feel rewarding and even refreshing, to abandon your closet to try something new?  Sometimes the compliments you receive for trying a new style can even confirm you made the right decision: “You look great! What did you change?”  Everybody has the equal opportunity to feel good about what they wear because fashion can accommodate any person, body type, or personality.  Fashion is flexible and can flatter anybody, provided they make the right decisions.  You don’t have to wear skinny jeans like Justin Bieber to be up-to-date, you just have to willing to try something new.  I applaud those men who have stepped out of their comfort zone, stepped up to the plate, and took a swing at style.  Fashion is all about progression.

KS

If you need Fashion Advice, an image makeover, need to hire a Personal Shopper, or an Image Consultant in the New Jersey & Philadelphia area, please contact me, Karla, at NJFashionDiva@gmail.com.  We can tailor custom men's suits, dresses, and formal wear for any occassion.

Five to Thrive for the Season

Five things You can do to Spruce up your Spring Wardrobe!

1.    Layout your favorite pieces and buy something little and new for each of those items- make sure you can mix and match the items that you choose with other pieces.

2.   Remove at least 5 pieces for that same Spring wardrobe, look for signs of wear and tear, faded fabrics, or muted colors; Remember it’s Spring so choose things that are dull, uninteresting, and drab to remove.

3.    Accessories are a must! Again, find some favorite pieces from last season and see if you can find a few new pieces to add to it. Keep in mind when changing accessories that the weight of the items makes a difference. Fall is usually heavy looking and thick. Spring is usually light, thin and dangly. So when choosing items to add, make sure they flow together. Again, when choosing your items, briefly look through your accessories and remove any damaged, broken or lost single items.  This will keep you from searching for them later and taking precious time when you could have the right pieces in your hand quickly. This is important when you’re in a hurry,





4.    Outerwear.  Review all your pieces and decide on which one of those pieces still works this year and looks fresh. Take that piece and move toward the front of the closet so it gets the most use.

My personal favorite of the five to thrive is next!

5.    Shoes.  Men and Women, go into your closet and take a sandal, a dress shoe, and either a work out shoe or a casual shoe, then remove and replace… look for scuffs, wear and tear on the leather, heels, or toes. Simply find something that is fun and versatile for what you plan to wear this season.

Enjoy the change of season and the clothing most of all.

KS

If you need Fashion Advice, an image makeover, need to hire a Personal Shopper, or an Image Consultant in the New Jersey & Philadelphia area, please contact me, Karla, at NJFashionDiva@gmail.com.  We can tailor custom men's suits, dresses, and formal wear for any occassion.

Ladies & Gentlemen “Walk this Way”

Shoes, Shoes and more Shoes

Get ready to look down; you might be amazed at what you see! Shoes, shoes and more shoes, which usually means when you’re looking down you won’t like what you see or maybe you will? Depending on the next few statements… Unfortunately “Men” you are the biggest offenders of wearing bad, old and outdated or unpolished shoes. Men if you are still wearing a round toe shoe from 5 years ago, it’s time to update your footwear, because there are some fabulous footwear for men now. With leaders like Cole Haan, Bruno Magli, and Zengara you can hit a home run every time.

So, Men let’s move towards a more current fashion with your footwear. If you are looking for something a little more stylish but not over the top, my suggestion is going forward with a little more of a pointed but squared toe look, this will bring you up to date and glide you into our current times … If you’re more of a fashion gentleman you should move towards the more elongated narrower pointed toe. This look is fashionable and very stylist, but careful you don’t want to purchase a shoe style that does fit your personality… If you make this mistake the bottom line is you’ll find the shoes sitting in your closet until the style comes back around.

Ladies, Ladies, Ladies, welcome to “Spring” and I say that because women’s shoes are more fabulous then ever! It’s a free for all for women, ladies feel free to run wild.  Pumps, Sling Backs, Open Toe, High Heels, Sandal’s with heels and Sandals with flats it’s all out there, fabulous, fabulous.

Ladies now is the time to go into your closet and throw away all the shoes with nicks, scrapes and ratty heels… I haven’t seen a bad spring shoe out there… Everything from BCBG, Guess, Steven Madden to “yes” even Jessica Simpson! From bangles around the ankle to strappy slides.

The shoe industry has out done themselves this year, and it’s time to shop. Keep in mind your wardrobe while shopping but have some fun!

KS

If you need Fashion Advice, an image makeover, need to hire a Personal Shopper, or an Image Consultant in the New Jersey & Philadelphia area, please contact me, Karla, at NJFashionDiva@gmail.com.  We can tailor custom men's suits, dresses, and formal wear for any occassion

“A Line” vs. “Pencil” Skirt

“A Line” vs. “Pencil” Skirt

 An “A Line” skirt is beautiful, elegant, and should only be worn by certain body types.  A Lines skirts aren’t exactly figure friendly. If you prefer an A Line skirt you should look for a few different silhouettes. The more flattering styles of an A Line skirt is usually one of the following types; wide or high wasted and tight to the top of your butt and flares from that point down.  Those styles are the most complimentary to many figures. I truly find that they are best worn by little girls with frills and women with small waists, little butts and very trim.    

The forgiving “Pencil” skirt… Women, listen up, because here is some good advice… The “Pencil” skirt is wonderful, elegant, classic and yet sexy skirt. And “YES” one of the most forgiving styles that women can wear in a skirt. Its straight lines and narrow pencil-like form can make almost any woman’s figure sensual, sexy and slimming. 

Remember when wearing a pencil skirt, keep in mind your height and weight before choosing the length of the skirt.  Pencil skirts, come in many varieties, and can be worn short, long, or as a mini skirt. They can also have slits on one side, both sides, in the back or the front.  Depending where the slit is determines what kind of look you are going for.  The front side slit can mean sexy but conservative; a slit in the back in the middle usually means business-like; and a slit on either one side or both sides means sexy.  So, when choosing your pencil skirt choose wisely- the location of the slit can reveal a lot about you.

KS

If you need Fashion Advice, an image makeover, need to hire a Personal Shopper, or an Image Consultant in the New Jersey & Philadelphia area, please contact me, Karla, at NJFashionDiva@gmail.com.  We can tailor custom men's suits, dresses, and formal wear for any occassion

The Battle of the Pant…

Pleated vs. Non Pleated

As we move forward in the fashion world, there will always be a time and place for the pleated pant… but it’s time and place are now taking a back seat to the “Non Pleated” less traditional and more current pant better known as the, “The Plain Fronts.”

Traditionally you would find Pleats on almost every man, woman and child at one time. There has been a full fledge battle going on and it was a fight till the end.  It looks like the battle is over and plain front pants have won the war… The people have spoken and the fashion industry replied with a win for the clean look, trimming style, and more flattering fit.

With more and more styles to come, you will see less and less of slacks with pleats. Plain fronts are making a big come back, they are quickly becoming a clear choice in decision making when buying something new for your wardrobe.

Remember, before purchasing  new pants always consider your body type, height and weight when choosing a new piece of clothing. Try to add to your wardrobe while keeping in mind what you already have. Think about if your purchasing makes sense or not? It is best to add new and fresh pieces to your wardrobe to keep it up dated and looking smart.

Don’t forget that style can be created but fashion is a trend.

KS

If you need Fashion Advice, an image makeover, need to hire a Personal Shopper, or an Image Consultant in the New Jersey & Philadelphia area, please contact me, Karla, at NJFashionDiva@gmail.com.  We can tailor custom men's suits, dresses, and formal wear for any occassion

Karlanne's Quick Take on Milan's Fashion Week

Laura Biagiotti door on the catwalk this week’s Milan fashion its fall / winter 2011-2012 , showing up at the end of the stage wearing the colors of the Italian flag and reminding us, in a period of silly controversy on Unity of Italy, we should just think about celebrating, that the Made in Italy is a unique treasure, a heritage linked to a tradition that is synonymous with elegance and professionalism. The designer wears a scarf with the flag, therefore, the head that accompanies many years in the world to remember the origins of which must be proud.

Full Article in UnitedFashionStates

Milan’s Fashion Week

Milan’s fashion week in summary; by New Jersey Fashion Diva by Karlanne

Ladies, as fashion week draws to an end in Milan, with movie stars, rock stars, and models- What’s really in store for the regular guy and gal in shopping for fashion…? Well it’s good news for the average Joe and Josie, with all the styles and diverse fashions hitting the market it’s easy to choose from several different eras.  There are fashions that replicate styles from the sixties, seventies, and even the early forties.  

The sixties will bring Scarf looks to the stores, influencing everything from dresses to shirts and skirts. The Seventies will bring back the big floppy hats, fabulous scarves for the neck and shoulders, and big rimmed glasses.  The Classic Forties, when men were men and women were classically styled and elegantly dressed with classic form fitting clean lines, will influence the local boutique and department store alike.  You will also see an array of colors for Spring and Summer: you will find that “Cream and or Ivory” is new White!  Lace and sheer tops are coming back with a BANG!  This time you will find them with clean lines or frills and almost ‘scarf-like’ in layers.

KS

I will discuss Milan’s impact on Men’s Fashion in the blogs to come.

If you need Fashion Advice, an image makeover, need to hire a Personal Shopper, or an Image Consultant in the New Jersey & Philadelphia area, please contact me, Karla, at NJFashionDiva@gmail.com.  We can tailor custom men's suits, dresses, and formal wear for any occassion.