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Monday, April 25, 2011

Today's Fashion Affirmation

I enjoy expressing my personality through my clothes.

Like eyes, clothes are "windows to the soul". How a person puts an outfit together, the colors they choose, and their signature style are clues to a puzzle about who they are on the inside. The fact that you rarely see two people dressed alike, speaks to the fact that fashion informs us of one's uniqueness. Even though fashion trends can be frivolous, fashion as a means of self expression is not.

This week, in addition to reciting your affirmation, think about what you want  your clothes to say about you. Be guided by both your style goals and personality when choosing your outfit each day.


Tuesday, April 19, 2011

A Glimpse of Greenville's Fashion Trends

Two years ago, while on a flight from Washington, DC to Charleston, SC, I picked up a copy of the airline's magazine and read all about the revitalization of Greenville and its many attractions. The timing of this occurence was serendipitous since I had already begun to entertain the notion of spending a good portion of time in to a smaller, warmer and more tranquil city. After doing additional research, I placed Greenville at the top of my relocation wish list.

Fast forward to the present and I am now a Greenville resident. Last week I celebrated this milestone by heading downtown to see the Carolina Ballet Theatre perform Giselle at the Peace Center. I walked Main Street before the performance and found an outdoor cafe where I could conduct my daily fashion field work, otherwise known as people watching. From what I gleaned in the span of several weeks from this practice, I came up with the following top Greenville spring and summer fashion trends:

1. Greenville is big on bold.
Folks have bid adieu to winter grays, blacks and browns and are saying “yes” to color in a big way. From my ring side seat on Main Street, I saw prom goers in their sunflower yellow and fuchsia gowns, and observed that women about town are accenting their neutral outfits with orange handbags, aqua jewelry and metallic shoes.

2. Stripes are above board. 
The nautical look is strong for both men and women. I saw striped t-shirts and polo shirts, long striped cardigans, and of course, seersucker separates. The outdated “no white before Memorial day” rule has definitely gone by the wayside here. White slacks and jeans are everywhere. Nevertheless, the pairing of striped tops with dark wash denim is still a popular choice.  Women are also revving up the classic nautical style by adding a bright solid colored scarf or statement necklace to the mix.

3. Romance is in the air.
Perhaps influenced by the powerful love story of Giselle, ballet goers wore soft floral patterned dresses, long flowing skirts, and romantic style ruffled blouses.  The new “mid length” dress length trend (between 3 to 4 inches above the ankle) also seems to have caught on here.  Picture a blend of mid 20th century style and a ballet costume.  In fact, one of Greenville’s trendiest stores, Augusta 20 (http://www.augusta20.com), features a charming green patterned vintage inspired sundress in this length on their blog "a propos". As this blog points out, one of the advantages of the mid length versus the maxi is that you can still showcase all of your terrific sandals, wedges or flats.

4. Dresses reign on Main.
Dresses are a must have in Greenville and I predict that their popularity will increase as temperatures soar. It seems that women throughout town have embraced a multitude of dress styles including classic sheaths, maxis, minis and even some 1960’s style shifts. 

Today's Fashion Affirmation

I strive to look my best every day.

Making a commitment to present your best image to the world requires time, effort and money. An investment in your appearance is an investment in yourself, and the rewards are significant. When you present a polished image, people will respond to you accordingly, and you will command more respect. Most importantly, you will enjoy increased self confidence and an improved outlook. Dressing with intention helps you live with full intention.

This week, take extra time each evening to decide what you will wear the next day.  Make sure that the clothes you intend to wear are clean and pressed, and your shoes are shined. Lay out your entire outfit, including accessories and outerwear.   Repeat your affirmation each morning while you are dressing.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Today's Fashion Affirmation

I am a mindful shopper.

First and foremost, shopping requires a positive attitude, time, and patience. Rushing out at the last minute to buy something in a hurry is almost always a recipe for disaster.  Another common shopping pitfall is expecting that you will find what you are looking for right away.  Mindfulness is as essential to shopping as it is to any of life's tasks. By slowing down, removing expectations and staying in the moment, you will be  more likely to complete your shopping without the stress and fatigue often associated with this process.  Hopefully, you will enjoy yourself as well! 

Repeat your affirmation before and during each shopping outing this week. I'd like your feedback on how your practice is going.


Monday, April 4, 2011

Today's Fashion Affirmation

I wear clothes that fit me.

Do you wear baggy clothes that conceal your figure or are you pouring yourself into outfits that used to fit when you were thinner? Stop! Wearing clothing that is either too large or small makes you look heavier than you are. Before you leave the house each day this week, look at yourself in the mirror (preferably full length), and pay attention to how your clothes fit on your frame. If you come to the conclusion that your clothes are ill fitting, then it's time to do some shopping.  Practicing this week's fashion affirmation will help reinforce your decision to dress for your shape.


Wardrobe Essentials: The Experts Weigh In

Now is the time to refresh your wardrobe and shop for new spring and summer clothes. Before you head to the stores, I recommend that you conduct a wardrobe audit. That's a fancy name for looking in your closet and preparing a list of what you have and what you need. All too often, women end up with a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear. A major reason for this closet conundrum has to do with a failure to build a wardrobe from the ground floor up by investing in core pieces. Think of your wardrobe core as the structural foundation that supports your house. If the structure isn't sound, you will encounter stress and endless expense to right this fundamental problem.

Do you need help in deciding what your wardrobe essentials should be? Well, let's see what the three great minds of style put on their lists of top ten clothing basics:

Nina Garcia, author of Little Black Book of Style, fashion director of Elle Magazine, Project Runway Judge
http://www.millionlooks.com/people-and-events/celebrities/10-fashion-tips-from-nina-garcia
Little Black Dress
A Classic Men's White Shirt
Cashmere Cardigan
Trench Coat
Denim
A Man's Classic Watch
Diamonds
Ballet Flats
A Classic High Heel Pump
A Terrific Purse

Isaac Mizrahi, author of How to Have Style and designer for Target
http://www.glamour.com/fashion/2008/09/isaac-mizrahis-top-wardrobe-essentials
Little Black Dress
Pencil Skirt
White Jeans
Loafers
Sweater Set
White Button Down Shirt
Sunglasses that suit your face
Tailored Blazer
High Heeled Sandals
Well fitting Bra

Tim Gunn, author of A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style, star of Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style on Bravo and Project Runway’s style mentor
http://www.fabsugar.com/10-Fashion-Essentials-According-Tim-Gunn
Black Dress
Trench Coat
Dress Slacks
Skirt
Blazer
White Shirt
Day Dress
Cashmere Sweater
Jeans
Nice Workout/leisure Outfit
Additional Fun item under $20

How many of these pieces do you own?