Inconvenient Truth

Not all skinny jeans are created equal. They just aren't. Likewise, not all people are meant to wear skinny jeans. Trust me, you'll get over this so fast when they aren't EVERYwhere next season. 

Mostly, they propelled into popularity recently due to teenage girls wanting to give their Dad's heart attack's the tunic/flowy shirt trend - which goes with the theory that if you wear baggy up top you need to be slim on the bottom and vice versa. 

Skinny jeans are not the best choice for a majority of the population. It's extremely hard to wear the extreme taper that comes with the skinny jean. They are not universally flattering  and typically only look how they should on the skinny, long legged variety hence the name.

A more well suited style jean - that tends to be more universally attractive and flattering - is the straight leg. It has the same concept as the skinny jean but just not with the extreme slim cut from the hip to ankle - and unlike the skinny jean, the straight leg jean looks GREAT on curvy and petite/curvy frames alike. 

Where skinny jeans can make short and pear shaped gals appear hippy-er and shorter than they are ... the straight leg can give the illusion of longer legs and a slimmer bottom half - especially when paired with a blazer. Where skinny jeans can be an agonizing experience for a curvy gal - straight leg jeans can make you appear slimmer and taller. Another BEAUTIFUL and attractive option is the bootcut jean. It really provides a nice balance to any figure short/tall, curvy/skinny and is more forgiving through the hip/thigh.

There are many other fits that work well with all figures, the purpose of this post was mostly to convey that contrary to what various mediums will have you believe the skinny jean is not the universal truth. However, no matter what style/size/cut jean you're shopping for, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Dark wash prevails. It's universally attractive, slimming and stylish - always. Lighter wash jeans will never be acceptable in the work place - for good reason.
• Tailor, tailor, tailor. Tailoring is key. If your jeans are too long and you morally object to wearing a heel that makes them the appropriate length get them tailored. If your jeans are too long and you want the option of wearing them with heels or flats - get them tailored. Otherwise you will look sloppy and can make you appear heavier than you are. No matter how skinny/curvy you are. 
• Fit. We all need to be honest with ourselves and what size we are. An ill fitting pair of jeans can take a stylish outfit to tramp town very quickly. When trying on jeans look at yourself from all angles in the horrible lit rooms with the three sided mirrors. If the jeans look good in there they'll look AMAZING in reality. Be honest with yourself. Don't make a pair of jeans work because a magazine/friend/TV show says so. Find what looks great on YOU!

Life is too short to not have a good pair of jeans!!

Accessorize ... Your Name!

Lately, wearing your name is so chic ... it's yours, might as well embrace it and here are some gorgeous ways to wear it:

Moon & Lola

Soul Jewelry

Stella & Dot

Sarah Chloe

Carol & Company - John Wind

Tall Gals

*LOVE* moment: When a tall girl, wears a super tall heel. 

Men. Eat your heart out.

Work. It. 

The Perfect Gift

What I thought would be a nice to have part of my business, has actually become the most popular service that I offer; that of finding the perfect gift. It's ellusive and there isn't one set gift that works for someone every time. Everyone is so, so different.

Here are a few suggestions to help you find a truly stand out gift for anyone on your list or call me and I'll do it for you!

The gift is not for you. Period. End of discussion. To find, and give, a truly special, unique or memorable gift,  for any occasion, you have to remove yourself from the equation and really think about the person who s receiving your gift. What do they like to do in their spare time? Do they have a specific hobby? What's their favorite color or food? Are they a pet enthusiast? Do they consider themselves an environmentalist? Many times we let our own hobbies or interests determine someone else's gift. Or we see something that we love so much that we assume they will too. They very well might - but only if they have similar likes to yours. Nine times out of ten they do not.

A nice, thoughtful gift doesn't have to be spendy. Homemade gifts are just as thoughtful as store bought ones.  The summertime is full of cookouts, family traveling through town, and visits with friends. Common courtesy says to bring something with you when you are faced with one of these scenarios. I love a good mason jar filled with cookie mix wrapped in a nice colorful or seasonal dish towel. I'm going to be honest, alcohol is always a nice touch if your host/hostess drinks alcohol. However, I would shy away from this unless you are certain that they drink alcohol and you know whether they are a beer or wine person.

Then there's the thank you gift. My solution for the perfect thank you gift is two fold. First, write a note. The art of writing a thank you note has all but died and it's one of the cheapest and most thoughtful, kind things you can do to show appreciation for someone. Second, send a gift basket. They are such a nice touch and there are so many options to choose from. Plus, it's a great way for the recipient's family to know they are appreciated for the effort they all put forward.

But remember when in doubt, or if you need a little guidance - I'm here to help you!

It's getting hot in here ...

So take off all your grey clothes.

Seriously. That's what you should do if you are wearing grey in the summer.

When dressing for the heat, there are certain items to stay away from. Not all fabrics are created equal and neither are our glands. What works for models in a catalog when it's typically still freezing cold outside will not necessarily work for you when it's actually hot out ...

The color grey.
I actually own a few grey tops. I love them. I would recommend grey for you too probably. Just not ever as pants. Why? Well read this and then you'll know why.

During the sweltering days of summer I would also recommend not wearing grey tops. Because I don't care how little you sweat, we all sweat some and pit stains at work or in general is not stylish.

Satin.
Read above about the aforementioned pit stains. Satin in heat is a disaster. The fabric loves to cling to your curves. Which is why satin and satin fabrics are wonderful. Flaunt your body ladies! But satin in summer is a swampy, pitty mess. Stear. Clear.

Let's end on a positive note, shall we ...
Fabrics I LOVE for summer:
100% cotton/cotton blends - easy, breezy, comfy and classic.
Linen - new linen fabrics are SO easy to care for. Gone are the days of dry clean only or hand wash after clipping your nails to less than 1 cm before care ... No mas. Thank gah!
Anything with some Spandex in it - cause we all want to accentuate what our Momma's gave us - but not be super uncomfortable during the dog days of summer.