Look Your Best Wardrobe Consulting|Wardrobe Consulting For The Way You Live

Look Your Best Wardrobe Consulting Newsletter - September 2008

Patty Pacelli, Wardrobe Consultant

425-736-5893

patty@wardrobe-consulting.com

Transforming Women from the Outside In

Briana Pacelli, Research Assistant

In this issue:

· What to Wear?

· Look Your Best at Work

· Transitioning from Summer to Fall

· Trend of the Month

· Get it for Less

· Ask Patty

Ahh, September. A month often associated with crisp apples, freshly sharpened pencils, and the dog days of summer. But the month of September is also accompanied by a unique set of wardrobe challenges. As the weather cools and shorts, tank tops, and flip flops are pushed to the back of the closet, the task of finding the appropriate outfit for work, curriculum night, the PTA meeting, or an afternoon of soccer games can seem daunting. But there is no need to be discouraged, for in this month’s newsletter you will find tons of helpful tips and tricks for transitioning your summer wardrobe into a suitable outfit for any occasion the new school year may dish out. Because in the midst of a month filled with activity, looking your best should never be a source of stress.

September is a time of new beginnings, and the perfect time to clean out the old items of clothing you either don’t wear, or shouldn’t wear anymore. You will then be ready to start preparing for the upcoming fall weather and activities. Need help updating your wardrobe? Patty will go through your closet with you, help you discard items and put together clothing pieces you own in new ways. She is also available for personal shopping, to help you to be ready for any fall occasion that comes up.

What to Wear?

To the PTA meeting or curriculum night:

Instead of: baseball cap, college t-shirt/sweatshirt, light tapered jeans, white athletic sneakers

Wear this: neutral structured jacket, cotton t-shirt in a bright color, dark straight-legged jeans, a ballet flat or boot

Why it matters: When in the presence of other teachers, parents and faculty, it is important show that you are willing and capable to put time and effort into your child’s school. Where a disheveled appearance reflects a disheveled life, a more polished image is a much more accurate representation of a life under control (this is especially important if you are interested in any sort of leadership position within the school). Choosing a structured jacket instead of a sweatshirt gives a more authoritative image, while the jeans and flat shoes keep it casual enough for a school event.

To your children’s soccer games:

Instead of: old sweats, men’s t-shirt, hiking sandals

Wear this: yoga pants, coordinating athletic jacket, fitted short/long sleeve t-shirt, non athletic sneakers (Puma, Skechers, etc.)

Why it matters: Like it or not, your appearance gives a reflection of your feelings on the event you are attending. Saturday soccer games are often casual events, but showing up in yesterday’s yard work sweats shows a desire to be anywhere but on the sidelines. The yoga pants and nicer t-shirt reflect attentiveness and enthusiasm and are just as comfortable as the sloppy sweats without looking like you’ve spent all morning getting ready.

Look Your Best at Work

Casual work environment

Wear this: printed top, straight leg khaki pants/straight leg dark denim jeans, ballet flats

Why it matters: Even in the most laid-back work environments, casual will never mean sloppy, and thus will never justify wearing sweats or pajamas to the office. It is still important to show your boss and coworkers that you care enough about your job to put on a real pair of pants. Wearing jeans or khakis with flats keeps an outfit causal while still looking polished, and a fun top is an easy way to express your personality through clothing.

Corporate work environment

Wear this: tailored suit in a neutral color, bright colored top, mid height heel

Why it matters: The implementation of a corporate dress code indicates the company places a high importance on looking your best. Your appearance gives others an impression of how well you do your job. Dressing to attain respect isn’t a sign of cockiness; rather, it shows you have confidence in your ability to do your job well. A killer suit will command respect, while a brightly colored underpinning provides an opportunity to add some personality to an otherwise “off the rack” look. Consequently, dressing more professionally can be a very powerful tool in helping advance your career.

Special note: Finding the perfect suit can be a challenging process when considering the right color, pattern, cut, and style for your position and body type. For more help on finding great suits, or any other fashion dilemmas, call Patty at Look Your Best for a consultation.

Transitioning from Summer to Fall

Not quite ready to give up your favorite summer pieces? Follow these simple tricks for wearing your summer wardrobe into the cooler months.

Printed sleeveless top

Summer: worn with shorts or cropped pants and sandals

Fall: wear it over a long sleeved t-shirt (a darker neutral t-shirt, such as black or brown, can help bring a summer print into the fall season) with jeans and flats

Floral skirt

Summer: worn with a tank and sandals

Fall: pair it with tights, boots, and a thin knit sweater. Remember to be conscious of the weights of the pieces you are mixing in an outfit. A little variety is good; just try to stay away from extremes, such as a heavy chunky sweater with a skirt in a very airy fabric.

Dress

Summer: worn alone with strappy heels or wedges

Fall: wear it with tights, boots, a long-or short-sleeved t-shirt underneath, and a structured jacket

Trend of the Month

The belt has been taking the fall fashion season by storm, and deservedly so. No longer for just holding up a pair of pants, a belt can instantly up the chic-ness of almost any outfit.

Function: cinch the waist

Adding a belt around the waist instantly defines the smallest part of your frame, making you appear leaner and creating the desired hourglass figure. Cinch a belt over a t-shirt, top, sweater, dress, or structured jacket. For an especially slimming effect, use a dark belt over a lighter colored top, and keep the bottoms dark and simple.

Most flattering on: all body types

A word of caution: be sure to keep the size of the belt in proportion to your stature. Women with large frames or thicker waists will only look larger in comparison to a very skinny belt. Likewise, petite women can be overwhelmed by a belt that is too wide or too flashy.

Some great options: Women’s Skinny Faux Patent Belt, Old Navy, $12.50

- Comes in a variety of colors and patterns. www.oldnavy.com

Another Line Woven Leather Belt, Nordstrom, $68.00

- The neutral colors and classic weave make it incredibly versatile. www.nordstrom.com

Embossed Square-buckle Belt, Banana Republic, $79.00

- The patent leather croc finish gives a more luxurious feel. www.bananarepublic.com

Get it for Less

‘bolshoi’ ballet flat, Stuart Weitzman, $285.00

http://stuartweitzman.zappos.com/n/p/dp/36211190/c/9665.html

‘tux’ ballet flat, Gap, $39.50

http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=34759&pid=586017&scid=586017052

Where to wear them: perfect with jeans, khaki pants, or a skirt. Comfortable enough to wear grocery shopping, pretty enough to wear to curriculum night.

Puma knit jacket, Puma, $95.00

http://www1.store.puma.com/WelcomeAction.do;jsessionid=JPOMKOACOONJ#

C9 by Champion Yoga Jacket, Target, $24.99

http://www.target.com/b/ref=sc_fe_l_1_12913861_7/601-2627594-5788169?ie=UTF8&node=370532011

Where to wear it: running errands, walking the kids to school, weekend soccer/football games

Ask Patty

Patty answers all your questions on how to look your best.

Q. Where can I find pants and jeans that will work with my short legs?

A. The hard truth for women with short legs is that pants will almost always be too long, however, there are many ways to remedy the situation. Some stores, such as Gap and American Eagle, make pants in varying lengths, giving you more options. But more often than not, pants will simply have to be tailored to the appropriate length. The good news is that shortening pant legs is a very easy alteration. Look for pants with a straight cut, because removing any excess length will not ruin the line of the leg. Ideally, the hem of the pant should sit about a quarter of an inch above the ground (with shoes on!). Look Your Best offers alterations with all fashion consultations.

Have a question on how to look your best? E-mail patty@wardrobe-consulting.com

To look your best this fall with closet consultations and personal shopping trips, contact Patty at 425-736-5893 or patty@wardrobe-consulting.com.

Gift Certificates now available for closet consultation and personal shopping!
Purchase online here

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