WOMEN of STYLE

Creating your look or uniform: first know your type

2012-02-13T22:47:00.001-08:00

www.lisa-pippus.com
Image Consulting Berlin

The question I am often asked is - if I really create a uniform look will I get bored and restless or will it be a relief. This depends on the type of person you are. I won't go into detail but just give a brief overview. Carl Jung started working with the idea of personality type to desribe peoples preferences rather than judge them. The mother daughter team of Myers and Briggs later expanded on this idea and MBTI is now one of the most used ways to discover type. Most large businesses use it to help people understand their preferences and to see if they are placed where they can flourish. I suggest doing one of the free online test and reading up on your type.

How can knowing your type preferences help create your look? If you love routine and strucutre you might find having a uniform or look makes your life easier. To not have to think about clothes with an easy system would work for you. If you are a type who loves possibilities, new ideas and concepts you would feel blocked by a uniform. I am an ENTP which means challenges, possibilities and little struicture is my preference. As much as I love the idea of a uniform in terms of colours I can be easily led astray be new possibilities.

I do try to live out my possibilities through a range of my colours. I am more disicplined with cut and fabric because I really know what shapes and proportions suit me. I am aware that I will never be able to stick to a three colour palette as Sofia coppola does: Although I admire Sofia's style and think it works really well for her. She keeps her palette limited but tries different looks and cuts. it is also about knowing where in your uniform are you willing to be flexivle and where there is no compromise.

So before you think about sticking to one colour or two I suggest thinking about if you can deal with this long term. Does the idea of a simple wardrobe based on cream, black and navy thrill you or would you feel hemmed in. There is no right or wrong. simply you need to know what you need and can easily accept. Self awareness is the first step to building your wardrobe that rruly works for you.

Rhonda's style statement: simple, classic & modern

2012-02-11T13:07:00.000-08:00

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Simple, classic, modern. These were the words Rhonda sent me - and as soon as I saw her picture I thought of Monica Vitti and Gena Rowlands - both classic beauties with her lushness and simple sensuality. Thank you Rhonda for being a Woman of Style! This is an intuitive excercise as the photo is not a close up and doesn't allow for preciseness in colouring. It does allow for the natural beauty and radiance of Rhonda to shine through so I can say that:

1. There is this coolness to Rhonda through her hair and skin in the photo. She is wearing gold jewlery which comes as no suprise when you see her eyes. They are filled with such warmth - you can see that her metal is gold. I see her a as light summer - which accounts for the coolness in her skin, the lightness and also the warmth ( light summers share a little of the colours of their sister light spring ) . She has warm eyes that are radiant and gorgeous. I see her in black with eye liner ala Gena or Monica to bring our her sultriness and the yellow chiffon to emphasize her classic femininity and goldeness. Or in the pale blue to emphasize her lightness. The red with red lipstick is her bombshell number for me. Or a classic 60's cocktail number with beading, mules and coral pashima.

2. Her simple, classic and modern style reminds me of the classics from 60's Italian films. Classic, feminine. Simple in the easy cuts - nothing intricate. Modern because they are classic pieces that do not date. I see her radiating a clean sexiness in her yellow cardie, black trousers, mules and gold jewelry with big sunglasses and a tote bag. A kind of golden Jackie O.

3. Rust and coral will really bring out her eye colour. As would olive and rust.

4. Rhonda has similar sized features and also much space between her features. This means for accessories she can use larger pieces not fussy bitty accessories. Of course for simple and modern I would suggesr creating focus with one strong but classic piece.

Now I will ask Rhonda to make a few comments to say how she feels about this 'look'. And of course if any of you dear readers wish to be the next women of Style let me know! info@lisa-pippus.com

Style Icon Mikki Taylor - dressing joyfully, authentically and powerfully

2012-02-10T00:19:00.000-08:00

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I gave a full day workshop yesterday at a small company on Professional Style & Impact - for the 2 partners ( a woman and a man ) and 6 female staff. It was a great day with lots of laughing and learning. First I talked about the rules of dressing for impact and influence - then how to break those rules successfully if you wisht to. The nteractive part where everyone got feedback, tips and encouragement was followed by individual consultations. At the end of the day the male boss came to me and said "I had no idea that we are what we dress. I am so suprised that how we dress is really who we are."

I have chosen to write about Mikki Taylor because from all I have read and see of her - this is a woman who truly dresses to express who she is and where she is going. She does this powerfully, authentically and joyfully.

Mikki Taylor doesn't disclose her age but as she does say she has been happily married for 30 years - so I guess between 50-60. She was cover editor for Essence magazine for 30 years and is a woman with a passion for fashion.What many may not know about Ms. Taylor is that her knack for taste lies in her roots. Born in Newark, she was heavily influenced by her mother, Modina Davis Watson, a makeup artist and wardrobe stylist to the jazz singer Sarah Vaughan. Her mother’s circle included Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald and Quincy Jones.During the 1950s and early 1960s, her mother traveled by ocean liner to Europe and often returned with dolls and makeup. She is in the news a lot for her book ' Commander in Chic' about the concept behind Michelle Obama's style. It is an excellent book and clearly she was able to describe the concept so well because she herself follows it. What impresses me about Ms Taylor's style is:

she has broad shoulder and shows them off. She has a rather short neck and distracts by keeping the focus on her beautiful and very groomed hair and face. Amen. Working with our strengths and not our weaknesses.
she has an extremely high forhead and shows it off. I have one and I used to try and hide it. Isn't it wonderful to find someone who stands to what they have - no hiding here.
she loves a beautiful ladylike look and doesn't bend to what is in fashion. No skinny jeans for this lady - she knows what works for her.
Ms Taylor truly exemplifies that dressing with style is an issue of choice and not age.

So I salute Ms Taylor - as a wonderful style icon. And especially some who in her 50's ( or so ) lives her passion for fashion with such gusto. Bravo Mikki Taylor. Below a short excerpt from an interview i found:

What advice would you give a woman who struggles to define her personal style?
Know that it’s about coining a look that works for you based on who you are and how you live your life. Remember style is a form of self-expression and so it really comes down to what you want to communicate. To understand your personal style code, ask yourself, what predominant style sensibility am I comfortable with? How would you define it? Classic? Elegant? Boho? Edgy? Once you establish your style-persona, shop accordingly and above all, remain true to yourself.
How do you define your own personal style?
I define my style as “classic with a twist.” I’m clear about what works for me and what doesn’t. My look is based on a modern, chic and effortless sensibility that keeps pace with my busy, always-on-the-go lifestyle. 90% of my wardrobe consists of great dresses, which make getting dressed an effortless affair. The balance is composed of smart separates that allow me to work them to new perfection just by a change of accessories.

Your chance to be a WOMAN OF STYLE!

2012-02-07T11:09:00.000-08:00

www.lisa-pippus.com

Dear readers - would any of you like to be my Woman of Style? To have your photo matched up with your best colours, fabrics, textures and style?I would like a photo of you face is sufficient but with body would be great. Then I can analyze what colours and what style work for you. You can also send me your three word style statement and I will help you create the look and style you desire.

Here is an idea of how I would do it.Of course it will be a bit more deatailed with more information:

your colours, visual weight, complexity
your 3 word style statement
your special style request
I think this could be an exciting chance for everyone. If you are interested then please send a photo here:

info@lisa-pippus.com

Catherine Baba: because style stretching inspires

2012-02-06T01:17:00.000-08:00

www.lisa-pippus.com

My older son was telling me the other day why he so liked his boxing and acting classes. He said you have to win over your 'inner Pig' ( this is a German term that means claim victory over your inner laziness). He said in boxing sometimes you are doing the punching bags and you don't think you can do another minute - but you do. The same in acting when his coach says be an agresssive primate - and every one is watching - but then you pull this emotion from deep down inside. He said to stretch himself and win over' The Pig' is such a great feeling!

I guess that is how I feel about Catherine Baba - she is a stretch that is exhilerating to watch. Ms Baba is an Austrailan stylist living in Paris. She has worked for Chanel, Givenchy and Vogue - and really has a luxurious, bohemian diva vibe going on. I love her colour combinations, texture combinations and the luxuriness of her choices. We dress to express who we are, where we are going. We show the world how courageous, tired, open we are. And it is good for us to be inspired by others. For me Catherine shows such an exuberance for life in her colour choices. I don't know her so I cannot say if this is a wish or a reality - but I am attaracted the vitality of her spring colour choices.

I am immensely by the colour peach. I just love it. It is very helpful to analyze what you love about photos of style icons. I am much more classic and low key than Ms Babas - I am attracted to her inspiring colours and colour combinations. I am a Light Spring and not only as my colour type but also has my life philosphy. I love spring - the growth and possibilities. As you analyze photos of women of style - you too win over your 'inner Pig' and discover what might stretch your visual signature.

So my thanks to Catherine Baba for style stretching me. More peach colors and spring colours are coming my way. I now know how that it is peach together with a dab of red for me ......and you?

Getting out of a style rut: analyzing your style statement

2012-01-31T12:15:00.000-08:00

www.lisa-pippus.com

I am so happy to be in Milan here. And I see that with an all beige outfit I needed to add that bit of red and pink.

Valentino was my absolutely favorite window in Milan last week. For part 2 of getting out of a style rut I want to speak about the importance of analyzing your style statement photos. When I work with clients I see that they never like something by chance - even if they think so. Every photo on their style collage always relates to them.

This was my favorite window in Milan. Why? I am am a light spring and this would be the perfect way to wear red. It could be lipstick but it could be one red accent - a top or scarf .It is important to see this is NOT about what is in for spring- but what I love for spring. Especially when you have your colours done - and you start collecting pictures and analyzing them. Because style is about knowledge of clothing, colour and propitions. Then about you and the expression of your personality. of course you want to look up to date but style is never about following trends.

This picture expresses a lightness that I love with a touch of sweet vitality that I find wonderful. With that in mind I can understand more about what colour means to me and how I can translate the info on my style collage. then use this knowledge to put an outfit together to express more of who I am. One of the reasons I do colour consultations in my clients homes is that people often allow more of their personality to seep into the home than they do the personal expression of their clothing.

Style inspiration is about creating a collage of photos you love and then finding out why. When you know why you can repeat it.

Get out of your style rut: Collage your style statement

2012-01-28T10:43:00.000-08:00

www.lisa-pippus.com

We all need to style inspiration. I believe we are meant to be filled up and inspired - even with clothing. Julia Cameron's 'The Artist's Way' decribes how important filling up on inspiration is for artists. I believe it is equally important for Women of Style to be inspired. How to do it?

How to Collage Your Own Style Statement for Inspiration
It is not enough to sit and read magazines. It doesn't refine and identify what is missing for you.To get style inspired you need to:
1. Spend 20 minutes ripping fashion pictures out of magazines or printing out from internet. Don't censure - just rip. don't think about whether or not you can wear it, if it suits you. This first step is just to intuitively rip.

2. On a large sheet of paper put all of your pictures.

3. Now go back thru the magazines and look for words or sentences you like.

4. Start arranging the photos on a large sheet of paper. And now - finally become selective. Look at what is there and ask yourself this. If Lisa could wave her magic wand and buy me 6 outfits which would they be?
Keep only photos that make your heart sing in your collage because the whole point is to be inspired.

5. You are now looking for clues -they may be obvious like' I love red.' Or there may be subltle clues such as with the actress I recently wrote about . Her clues were more vunerability. What you see will either suprise you -or it will confirm what you acually already know.

6. Hang your collage where you see it daily.Collages have a magical way of coming true- they visually hold you accountable to your vision. If you hang them wear they can be seen - they will inspire and remind you daily of where you want to go. It is especially important in your 50's ( like me at 53) to stay inspired by clothes. As a group- mature women are underrepresented in the media. Your collage keeps you aware of how stylish, visible and exciting dressing up can be.

I adore these pictures of Catherine Baba - the Australian stylist living in Paris. Why? For her boldness and her passion for fashion. She loves what she wears. Seeing her in all these turbans inspired me with hats. I loved the 70's vibe she brought to the film ' I am not a F**ing Princess'. She was this stylist for this beautiful but sad film about the true story of Eva Ionescu. I find her work extrordinary and comparable to Grace Coddington of Vogue. Check it out.

The top photo is Ellen and I in Milan last week. Inspired by the hat vibe I got my self a grey floppy fedora and Ellen a rust trilby.My hat is grey - my eye colour. Ellen hat is rust - the colour of her eye highlights.

The joy of shopping in Milan

2012-01-26T12:30:00.000-08:00

www.lisa-pippus.com
Yesterday was a day of joy and laughter in Milan. I was there with my dear friend Ellen and we had an inspiring and fun day. The sales people were lovely and had as much fun as we did - this is the wonderful thing about being 53. You can have fun when clothes fit and laugh when they look awful and don't fit. Ellen and I both know what works for our bodies - but tried on items we wouldn't normally. Our first stop is always the boutique of our friend Paolo.And each had some delightful suprises - a teal blue I chose for Ellen and a charcoal print wrap jersey dress for me. Shopping works when it fun, light and creative with lots of laughter.

We saw beautiful windows - beautiful pale pastels at Prada. Glorious colours at Etro and Pucci. A lot of fur everywhere and flat shoes as well. Of course the shops had heels but we saw kitten heel or flats on the women.

A delightful new find was Place Minuit which opened in Novemver. it is run by Lucia Mezzanote- a very stylish event organizer. If you are in Milan check it out at 127 corso Garabaldi -just 5 minuites from Corso Como. The other customers were our age - they were trying on clothing, sipping espresso and just having a whale of a good time. Shopping should remind us of the dressing up we did as children. It is best when done with a sense of delight!

After a lovely tea and biscotti break at Corso Como 10 we went upstairs to see the Edward Steichen exhibition. I was very touched with the photo of Isabella Blow - I have seen it so many times in magazines and it really is beautiful. It was a delightful day and an inspiring one!

Your three adjective style statement - how it helps you dress to express your personality and goals

2012-01-20T07:30:00.000-08:00

www.lisa-pippus.com

I was working with an actress two weeks ago - it wasn't about gaining more self-confidence - she has a lot of this. It was about uncovering areas of her personality she wasn't used to showing. And then helping her choosing clothing that communicated this part. She was used to expressing the very powerful, sexy and passionate part of herself. What came through in the video analysis my consultation starts with was that she wanted to recieve more support , to meet men who could deal with the vunerable side of her. Yet she was dressing to communicate power, passion and erotic. As I asked her who most represented the word vunerable she pointed to a picture of Marilyn Monroe. I analyzed what Marilyn was wearing in the picture - light, soft , fluid, gentle.

Then we then analysed her collage - photos she had gathered of what she wanted in her life for 2012, including fashion photos.

Once again the tough clothing, leather, all in black. But hidden amongst these was a picture of a woman in a satin nude coloured evening dress and a very fluid jersey dress. What is the message here?

Without this work she might have continued dressing the same way, getting the same response but not knowing why. I suggest changing her style statement from passionate, powerful and erotic to passionate, powerful and vunerable. With her new style statement she suddenly saw what she had been doing - how tough she had been dressing - and that she was not presenting the gentler side of her to men she met. With these three words I can them help you to achieve the results that you want. Instead of all black outfits we saw that slim black cigarette trousers with a peachy nude silk top for evening added that touch of vunerability she needed. So that missing part of her could now be expressed. Here you can see that I chose peonies to represent for her the softness she wants to bring in. My suggestions:

1. with her black pencil skirt a nude top to expresses intimacy and balances the power of the black
2. instead of the tight short black dress to try a pale beige -to keep the structure but add gentleness
3. to bring out her blonde hair a soft yellow chiffon dress

You can see the importance of knowing a client's words - and seeing their photo choice. Only then can I help a client dress to really express their personality and achieve their goals.Why three words and not two. Many of you know the wonderful book Style Statement where two adjectives are used. I think this word for a general lifestyle statement. I need a very specific personal style statement to help my clients get the look that is a true expression of their personality. The first two words give a style direction - the third word is very defining and precisely pins the style down. For example:

Classic, sophisticated and casual
Classic, sophisticated and sensual
Classic, sophisticated and edgy
Classic, sophisticated and creative.....

The third word really helps to nail down your message. It identifies what is missing in your wardrobe. What you need and what you need to eliminate.
Are you ready to define your style and brand? To own fewer things -and yet be effortlessly chic?

all clothes: www.netaporter.com

Women of Style - What Iris Berben gets right

2012-01-15T00:29:00.000-08:00

www.lisa-pippus.com

Iris Berben was given the award for best-dressed women in Germany. She is 61 - I mention 61 because she shows that being best-dressed has to do with choices we make and not a youthful age . She epitomizes getting older and getting better - the impact elegantly sensual dressing can have. She is modern, up-to-date yet never falls into the trendy trap. Ms Berben spoke to the German magazine Brigitte and had this to say about her style:
"Classic, streamlined with the perfecut cut. Black is always appropriate. Simple, sensual and please not too colourful."

What does she do so well?
1. She has defined her style. Simple, sensual and classic. She can use her style statement to evaluate all her outfits and purchases. She knows what she loves and can easily wear elegance. This is not about dressing your age but about standing to what you love and want to communicate. So when all around her go super casual she will stay true to her sensual classic style. She has created a look and this helps her to find a kind of uniform. Knowing your look -your 'uniform' makes shopping and dressing easy.

2. She knows her colours. Her colour type domminance is Clear Winter. This means cool, deep and bright colours. Winter decribes the diva, rather solitary, formal and able to wear contrast. The jewel tones belong to this category - she wears them so well. the reds and violets are wonderrful on her. I have included a picture of her in a flowery dress with I think overwhelms her. The print is too large for her features and you see the dress before her. As a Clear winter she does shiny well and silk on her is divine.

3. She creates a clear , dramatic look with very few accessories. Iris has beautiful clear features and smooth skin. This calls for simple to no accessories. Angelina Jolie is another example of this. I have mentioned this before: where there is more activity in the face there is more need for accessories and decoration. Where there are larger features and more space fewer and simpler jewelry is required.

4. She is willing to be seen. she knows her goals and target group and dresses accordingly. She loves fashion ans dresssing up and doesn't hide this. She is a diva and this determines the dress code that is appropriate for her.

5. She can wear black to show off her beautiful hair. It is not that black is always appropriate but on her it is stunning. Why - she has lots of black hair and repetition is the key to style success. She also has very clear skin and full features that are not overwhelmed by black.

6. She has found a colour plaette that suits her and is able to stick to it. she is not swayed by trendy colours.

What doesn't work so well:

1.Huge flower prints: the colours in the flowery dress are right. Why? As a clear winter she can also do clear spring colours. The prints is way to large for her and the spacing too big for her features.

2.Topaz wrinkle velvet. Why? She has topaz in her eyes and as an accent - for example a smooth silk top with a black pencil skirt it would be great. but it is not a clear colour and so much fabric in this colour overhwelms her. Because of her smooth skin she works well in smooth fabric.

3.All white silk. Very few people can do tone on tone without looking washed out. African women can because of they often have tone on tone colouring. for iris to wear tone on tone she needs to add texture. so fur and diamonds would allow her to look less washed out.

4.Boxy cuts. She looks best in slightly more fitted outfits to show off her neat body.

She has beautiful olive eyes with topaz highlights and could use these colours more in the future!

Iris Berben is indeed a woman of great style. She is a wonderful example that with age we get better!!

6 steps to an effortlesly chic wardrobe

2012-01-13T00:49:00.000-08:00

We all want a wardrobe that works. Where we get up, open our wardrobe, throw something on and look effortlessy chic. Building the perfect wardrobe has a lot to do with creating your look - your uniform. There are people who do that. Seldom, but there are. I have á friend, my dear friend Cecile from Lyon and she truly dresses according to the wonderful Andree Putman ( French interior and product designer) quote. which implies that:

"I love America, and I love American women. But there is one thing that deeply shocks me - American closets. I cannot believe one can dress well when you have so much."

Now, about Cecile - she does love clothes and she also loves shopping. The question is this - what does she consistently do that enables her to create an effortless wardrobe. So that everytime we meetshe looks chic regardless of where that is. This is what I have observed over the 12 years of our friendship:

1. She knows her body, accepts it and dresses it accordingly. I once complained about my skinny bow legs. Cecile said who cares, I have skinny knock-knees -And? she said if you look great no one will notice. so she dresses her body to look great rather than spending time worrying about what she doesn't have. She has a taut lower body and as a result wears firm fabric there. This means skirts are pencil. No flowy fabric and big hippy skirts for her. she has a softer upper body and so here will wear a chiffon top - but fitted because she is petite. She allows her body to determine the cut of her clothes. She has her uniform, her look.

2. She knows her colours. She has black hair, very fair skin and dark brown eyes. She wears a lot of black. white red and pink. Her pink is powder baby pink and fuschia as well as powder blue. Cecile is a cool winterover the 12 years we have been friends she has stayed true to this palette not been swayed by trends. She really sticks with this reduced color system and as a result all her clothes work together. Black is her basic in the winter, white her basic in the summer and all other colours are accents.

3. She says no if it doesn't fit her wardrobe needs. Cecile prefers to buy little but of quality. She shops outlets her in Berlin, especially Marc Cain - an upmarket German design company. She will go and if there is nothing for her she comes home empty -handed. She will also see something she likes and wait for it to go on sale. Occasionally she splurges. Mostly I see that she really has all the basics she needs covered. From trench, leather jacket, pencil skirt, tees, cardie and pullover and she consistently add and updates. I see her ability to say no as crucial to her wardrobe success.

4. She has a look. She is always elegant, stylish and refined. Regardless of the company. She dresses elegantly and doesn't care if others are casual. At her birthday she is usually in a little black dress and doesn't care if everyone else is in jeans. And when she wears jeans it is also with a white shirt and pearls or black tie and tiny black cahmere cardie with one chunky bracelet.

5. She buys few pieces but pieces she really wears. It is so easy to be seduced by something that looks good on the hanger or in the window or even in a magazine. To know what your wardrobes needs. To know what items you wear most and to replace them. In a way this takes courage- to shop for your clothing needs and not for what is in season or what is in.

6. My friend Cecile shops the way most of us grocery shop -she has a plan and follows it. Few of us go to the supermarket to see what is there.We either go with a written list or we have a clear idea of what we need. We are not bored or ashamed to buy the same thing every week. We know we always need bread, onions, garlic and olive oil. This is the true secret to building a wardrobe that works. That allows us to become women of effortless style.

I will leave you with some photos of women who have found their style. Enjoy!

50+ confident style for blonde women

2012-01-10T12:02:00.000-08:00

It is interesting to watch analyse how personal style develops. Faye Dunaway has a Cool & Light dominant colouring. If you look at the clothing choices the film designers made in Bonnie & Clyde and Chintown - you can really see how they used light and cool outfits to bring out the best in her. Now she is in her 70's and has started wearing longer hair and a lot of black. Black pulls her down and has a heaviness that is not as becoming.The set and film designers were able to play up this cool colouring and made excellent choices for her. Ms Dunaway is a beautiful woman and would look fab in short hair ala Sharon Stone. As we get older, in most cases and especially with blonde women lighter colours are more flattering.

Sharon Stone seem to be more at home with her light colouring. I think she also wears short hair well and doesn't look like she is stuck in her past. Iknow women who wear long hair marvellously as they get older but I just don't think it flatters Faye Dunaway.

I personally think getting older is wonderful. Being more at ease in ones skin, knowing more what clothes and styles you love. I think this can be a very stylish and exciting time. If one is fully in the present.

Tomorrow I will look at blondes with long hair and why it works. Let me know what you think!

Women of Style: what Tina Chow got right

2012-01-06T11:48:00.000-08:00

Role models are so important in every area of life. We learn by example. By looking at what our role models do right we learn. Tina Chow was a jewelry design was a unique sense of style. Originally from Ohio of German/Japanese background - she became a model of elgant and simple sophistication. She died of Aids tragically young - at 41. She eptitomized Yves Saint Laurent's "Fashion fades - style is eternal". This quote was hers.

Many times on the best -dressed list, photographed by top designers - what did she do right?

1. I think she instinctively knew her colours. I see her as a clear spring. She was not a formal person, she was able to make any outfit look effortless - even wearing a Dior ballgown she looked as though she had just thrown it on. The clear winter makes an outfit look more studied and formal- that is why I have chosen her as clear spring.

2. She knew what worked for her and was consistent in wearing it. Famous for simple white t-shirts with cashmere cardies and sweaters. To this she always added lots of jewery. Which worked so well against the simple background. Knowing your body and what works for it is crucial to good style.

3. She really got a hairstyle that worked for her- simply and boyish. but always looked very groomed. Nothing ever sloppy about her.

I have often been asked if it is a good odea to create a uniform. Women of style do this. Instinctively do this. they know what colours, fabrics, proportions and style fit them. and wear this. Style then becomes about self-awareness. and you repeat what works. I find this an exciting way to dress.

Building a wardrobe - with your hair colour

2012-01-04T08:31:00.000-08:00

I often write about the importance of bringing your hair colour into your wardrobe. Yesterday I was personal shopping with a client. Our first session had been to go over her 3 adjective that defined her brand, to look at the clothing photos in her collage and to do her colours. We looked at her favorite colours, her dominant colour and her body colours in that first session.

This outfit would look better if the shoes were a shade of the skirt.

Especially for blondes - the waist ribbon allows her to wear black shoes. Without the ribbon the shoes would just be hanging there.

This wonderful photo from The Satorialist shows how great one shot of colour can be.

You can just see how caramel allows one sister to shine.

Still -my client was really amazed as we did her shopping tour - how fabulous she looked when wearing her hair colour. And how she could easily use hair colour to pull an outfit together- even when she wasn't wearing her best colours. Look for yourselves......

Wearing decoration and colour - Lou Lou de la Falaise

2012-01-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

Style can be learned - it is really that simple. I teach women how to achieve style - this means what fabrics, colours, proportions, fabrics and style best suit their body, face and personality.

We can learn a lot by looking at style icons- what works and what doesn't. Lou Lou de la Falaise was known both as Yves Saint Laurent's muse and his accessories designer. She later started her own accessories line with two boutiques in Paris.What can you learn from her?

People with large clear features and much space in their face look best with clear and simple jewelry to repeat their facial feautures and structure. The more complexity you find in the face and hair the more complex the jewelry can be. If you have more complexity in your face and hair you might find that you are drawn toward decoration - be it in your home, fabric or accessories.

Complexity can be a face that is more compact, less space between the eyebrows and eyes, there can be complexity in the structure of the hair and skin. This can be a face with much movement such as a
Ellen Barkin, even though there is smoothness in her hair. Angelina Jolie is someone with much clarity and space in her face. That's why she wears simple,clear clothing that repeats her smoothness.

Lou Lou de la Falaise loved colour - so it was clearly an part of her personality that she expressed - one only needs to look at the amount of decoration and colour in her flat. She has a lot of movment in her face and in her hair.Minimalism was not hers.

The photos of Tildan Swinton wearing de la Falise jewlery could be better. They could have chosen her hair colour for the blouse - this would have created repetition and an even stronger photo. The yellow doesn't repeat anything of her physically.

If you look at the black and white photo of her in jeans what would I change? I do not like belts over jeans and belt loops. Plain high -waisted jeans with no belt loops wopuld have been better. She could leave of the scarf and keep the focus on the bangles. I am not a fan of cigarettes in photos but for art's sake I would have put bangles only on the hand with the cIgarette - for very strong focus.

Key learning - Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn are style icons because of the simplicity of their outfits. and the ease with which these looks can be repeated in comparision to Ms Falaise. Wearing a lot of accessories takes a keen eye and the ability to create a focus that frames the face.

New Year's Wardrobe Resolution & Plan

2012-01-01T02:16:00.000-08:00

This lavender Carolyn Quatermaine mood board is inspring for spring colours.

Happy New Year to all! It was a beautiful night in Berlin and the view from the Grand Hyatt was magnificent. I am happy I had only two small glasses of champagne - so I am only slightly feeling the effects of the day after. Wonderful warm wishes to all who read my blog - only a couple of months ago did I check my stats - I actually had no idea anyone read me at all. So thank you for reading and here's to smart, creative and elegant New Years Resolutions for all your wardrobes.

My plan is for continued simplicity. with room for loverly suprises - this showed up in my years collage I did two days ago. I see many closests and must say that having a lot of clothes is not helpful. It doesn't make it easier to get dressed - it takes too much time to sift through a big collection - especiall when it isn't organized. My suggestions on wardrobe planning for 2012?

1. Make a clothes collage. this is the first step for my clients. Because a collage is intuitive you will end up pulling pictures that really represent your personal style. Of course they need to be analysed - can you literally wear this as is or is it the fabric, the colours, the epoch, the length, the clarity that you can start bringing into your wardrobe.

2. Where do you really need clothes - work, evening or casual Fridays. Get really clear about this - if you want to get ahead in your career you might need more casual outfits, top-notch presentation outfits, high-visibility clothing.... you decide.

3. Get clear about what is missing - do you really need a navy blue jacket or is it more black pants? It is crucial that your wardrobe have basics. Every good kitchen need olive oil, salt, pepper and other
fundamentals.

4. Know if you can do this alone or need help. If you don't know your colours you can clearly benefit from support. but if you are stuck in a rut - and just don't feel creative about showing who you are you need support.

...because dressing to express is a gift we give ourselves - showing up authentically and not hiding behind a mask. It is also a transformation gift we give others - inspiring them to communicate more of who they are in clothes. So... take time for your new year's collage and start planning for the exciting year ahead.Meanwhile here are some photos that are inspiring me.

photos: www.style.com
clothes: www.netaporter.com

Defining your style & confidence for 2012

2011-12-27T01:34:00.000-08:00

I am off Friday to the country for the day - where I will sit with friends and each create a collage for 2012. We will review our collages from last year and show each other where we want to go in the coming year. A collage is a wonderful way to get in touch with your spirit and vision - what your values truly are for family, work, friends and yes -also for your style. It is both accountability and direction for the year -showing where you want to go and keeping you on track.

One little example: I had a picture of the Eiffel tower on mine and a few days into the new year i was offered a house swap with a lovely home just behind the Pantheon. We had a wonderful family holiday there. It is really amazing to look back at my collage and see how much came true.

This is also true for your style development in 2012. what we wear is such an expression of who we are - and we want this to keep growing, expanding and developing. I do not mean by buying lots more - I mean by being aware of how much of our true selves we let shine through. Because creating a collage is such an instintive work you really come to understand how you can dress to express your spirit and vision. So start ripping out pictures, words and expressions that you want to have in your life, glue them on a large sheet and place it where you can see it.

Then be amazed!! I had written the history of elegance on my collage for 2011and beside it placed two beautiful empty boxes with bows. what happened - I saw the history of elegance come true with both theVionnet exhibition and the wonderful Vogue exhibition at the Trianon in Versaille.

I love this Richard Avedon photo - this is moving forward in fashion!!

I also had a picture of beautiful nude kitten heels - then went to Milan and found gorgeous Guido Pascale heels at an Rufus in via Vitruvio- reduced from 300 to 25€. Now it is your turn - define your style for 2012!And watch it come true.

Dressing in a conservative company: how to add a create touch...

2011-12-09T05:25:00.001-08:00

A client recently showed me a pair of extravagent lace-up boots she loved but had never worn. She wanted to know if she could wear them to work. Of course was my answer. she wanted to look professional, competent and creative. In a conservative field the message of trustworthiness and reliability must be clearly visible to your target group.

For my client this meant creating a very serious outfit from elegant basics and allowing the boots to blend in rather than stand out. If you work in a conservative field you can always add one creative piece but it must be done in a very clear and focused manner. Because the emphasis here is your trustworthiness and reliabilitiy more than your creative juices.

So remember - it is always possible to bring creative expression to your oufit. But in a conservative position make sure you create a looks that conveys your trustworthiness and clarity.

All photos: www.netaporter.com

Dressing creatively in a conservative enviroment

2011-11-28T00:49:00.000-08:00

www.lisa-pippus.com
Just backagain from Cologne. An interesting question came from a client working for a conservative company in a very conservative position. She said she was bored with her clothing and wanted to be more creative. How did this happen? Easily. If you don't know your colours and body type you are going to find it very difficult to create colour combinations and choose accessories. And then you end up doing what she did- just wearing the same thing every day.

Looking to dress more creatively she had bought special pieces- then got them home and realized she had nothing to go with them. The answer? We did my clients colours and then went out to find basics that would provide the backbone of her wardrobe. We discovered that she actually likes glamour and that in focused doses she can do this even in a conservative environment. I showed that when she hasbasics a dynamic classy scarf in her dramatic color will create impact. My client was happy to discover that she could shine in the workplace with focused glamour.

Do you work in a creative environment and are ready to let a more glamourous you shine? Look at Rachidi Dati's leopard lining to her classy black jacket. the violet suit would work a shade darker in a beautiful stretch wool with a classy dark grey superfine cashmere pullover under it. And the olive jacket is a smart way to move away from all black.

photos. www.net aporter.com

Learning from stylish Milanese woman - Selbstbewusst und stilsicher in Ihr Outfit

2011-11-17T23:45:00.000-08:00

www.lisa-pippus.com

This woman captures the effortless chic and glamour that epitomizes Milan dressing for success.

Just back from another Milan trip. I am so inspired by the Milanese woman and the quality of their clothing.
I lived in Milan from 1980-1990. The incredible quality of the clothes that you found everywhere was simply amazing to me. Of course they have H&M now but still you find so many little shops and clothing markets where the quality is exceptional for the price.You can see from the photo of the milanese woman in her beige coat - that Milanese woman really love an effortless luxe style. Max Mara typifies this italian easy chic.

And me - I splurged on a Max and Co. beige coat with fur collar. Then saved on the rest - the most gorgeous brown pumps reduced from 180€ to 29€. My friend Paulo, who has a boutique in Milan but also free lances as a designer showed me a bag wholesaler that on first entering looked a mess, but after scouting around I found: a beautiful violet snakeskin belt and bargained them down to 35€, 8€ for a Romeo Gigli knit hat from a few seasons back, 15€ for gorgeous honey-coloured leather gloves, and 2€ for a beautiful, but also from a few seasons back Renato Balestrea make up bag. And from Paolo's shop a wonderful beige hat for 35€. So Milan is really worth a shopping trip.

Firstly, because it is so inpsiring to see the Milanese woman - whether 40,50 or 70 looking so groomed and fabulous. and then because there are these find that you cannot get anywhere else. Not to mention the food - I always start with coffe and a brioche near the central train station - then I know I am in Milan. I end with a wonderful fresh mint tea late in the afternoon at Corso Como and more people watching. Ah, la dolce vita!

The simplicity of Milanese style

Milanese woman adore fashion and style- regardless of their age

Max Mara coats are luxurious and wearable.

Giovanna Battaglia - one of the best dressed Italian women.

Brera - the best cafes and great shoe shoppping without the high prices of via Montenapolone

Ms Battaglia once again - looking chic and effortless.

corso como 10 - a beautiful way to end a Milanese trip

If you are interested in the experience of Milanese shopping - send me a mail at info@lisa-pippus.com.

All the photos of women courtesy of www.thesatorialist.com

Entwickeln Ihre ganz individuelle Ausstrahlung - dressing with style at every age

2011-11-12T00:21:00.000-08:00

www.lisa-pippus.com
A full week in Berlin- personal branding workshops and coaching on style and dressing for impact. After theory on dressing for visibility and influence I explain that to give feedback I need a three adjective brand statement. Initially women give me words like competent, professional and reliable. With time this develops and becomes a more truthful and creative express of who they really are. Then the vocabulary changes to adjectives such as passionate, vivid, beautiful, stylish, powerful.

One beautiful customer, who is 60 and wanted to know if she can still wear drop earrings at her age. my answer - if not now - when? I encountered wonderful women this week who desire to fully express who they are. We cannot allow the demoralizing idea to seep in that as we get older we can no longer express ourselves fully in how we dress. Clothes are a form of communication and I believe that at every age we should be free to creatively express who we are.

Take a look at the inspring site - Advanced Age. and be motivated to communicate to the world who you are in all you wear. Also go to www.lisa-pippus.com and read the quote from Martha Graham on the importance of expressing your potential. For now I leave you with wonderful photos from the Advanced Age site about a 100 year old woman who dresses and grooms herself in a manner that is both touching and inspiring.

photos: www.advanced age.com

Die Schlüssel zu einer eindrucksvollen Erscheinung

2011-11-07T03:04:00.000-08:00

www.lisa-pippus.com
8 Nov I will be giving a workshop at Raupe & Schmeterling in Berlin on how to create a strong personal brand. Why do you need such a seminar? I was shopping with a client last week and was once again reminded of why support and coaching is so helpful. My client wanted to dress for more impact & influence - but kept reaching for non-impactful clothing - this was her comfort zone. Personal shopping provides support to move out of your comfort zone and try something new. This personal branding seminar is for you if you want to make choices that express who you are with more impact and clarity. Whether a conservative company or a freelance creative - your success will be dertimed by the authenticity, clarity and consistency of your brandThis seminar can can help you achieve your goals.

Here are a few photos of women with style clarity that we will be looking at tomorrow. Join us to find out how you can express more of who you are!

Die Schlüssel zu einer eindrucksvollen ErscheinungNov.8 18:30

Pariser Straße 3
10719 Berlin
Tel.: 030/8 89 22 60
Fax: 030/8 89 22 610
Email: mail@raupeundschmetterling.de

SUCCESSFULLY DRESSING FOR YOUR POSITION

2011-10-23T23:32:00.000-07:00

Sleek and showy- just right for a hip movie star and singer.

The hair and the dress match but her natural beauty is completely lost. No!

The depth of colour is great but the coat needs to be a soft knit and follow her beautiful curves.

The style works - but grey does nothing for her colouring. a dark plum would be beautiful.

Professional, serious and sexy - her brand.

She looks beautiful in deep shiny colours.

www.lisa-pippus.com

The importance of looking like your position is crucial for your confidence and success.Last Friday I spoke to a well-dressed male client whose rugged hiking coat didn't fit to his goals, ambition and career vision. But - he said to me it's Friday and no one will see me. ???? I hear this often - people will see you was my answer.Dressing for your success doesn't mean you can't be authentic. You must be authentic -yes.

However, career authentic is different to Sunday morning brunch authentic. Or weekend rigged casual authentic. So now I would like to look at two women- Queen Latifah needs to look like a succcesful movie star and pop star. Rachidi Dati like a successful justice minister.

Two deep colours together bring out her beauty and give her profesional presence.

Excellent professional casual.

The visual weight of Carla Bruni's wool ensemble makes her serious even in a light purple shade. Rachidi Dati's skirt needs to be a heavy knit or wool crepe. The shirt could have 3/4 sleeves to work with the boots. a bit too light weight for a justice minister.

Do your clothes express your career vision, your spirit and goals? Would you like to successfully express who you are in colour and style?

Send me a mail with your number and I will call you asap. Let us discuss how I can help you express your best!

info@lisa-pippus.com

HOW to ACCESSORIZE: The question to ask yourself

2011-10-19T05:13:00.000-07:00

I was in Colgone to help a small group of women dress with impact, influence and authentic style.
After we had finished with 4 hours in a large upmarket department store they asked for accessories. time was running and I had a plane to catch so let me tell you how I did it. How I discover their accesories style is helpful to you on your own style journey. Although I studied fashion in Toronto and Milan it wasn't until my image training that I really came to understand my personal style. Often fashion is involved in trends and being of the moment - in fact at no point in all my fashion training were real women ever spoken of!

My question - if I could give you a months free holiday anywhere in the world -where would it be?
We were walking along the cobbled streets to Bijoux Brigitte a very inexpensive costume jewlry chain that I highly recommend. It gives you a chance to understand the colours and shapes that reflect your style - it is a great chance to experiment before you go expensive. The first women said New Zealand and when asked why she said for all the beautiful nature. She is a warm autumn in colouring and I immediately knew that pearls and ornate looking jewlery could be eliminated. She was delighted with the results. The second woman - a clear winter - said New York - for the energy and style. She had bought a beautiful dark blue outfit with a cowl neck during our shopping and wanted to accessorize it. Again I knew immediately what to eliminate - anything small, cute and natural. This was bold expensive looking statement jewlry.

Where would you go if I could wave my magic wand and give you a holiday for one month?
Use the answers to help you define the kind of accessories that will support your style. of course these women first had done their homework for me. So we knew their colour harmonies, colour range and personal colours - as well as colour contrast.

I have chosen Paris and my location and here are my choices.

Parisian style: Ines della Fresnage and Pamela Golbin, director of the Louvre's Museum of Decorative Arts.

Here we see the beauty of restraint that is Pamela Goblin's signature.

I have fine feautures and light spring colouring, so you can see that my choices reflect that. I have also chosen two parisian stylei cons I have learnt from. Ines della Fresnange and Pamela Goblin of the Louvre Museum of Decorative Arts. Both for their simple understated Parisian style. Do you want to develop more style awareness and skill? Are you interestd in developing your signature style?

If you are looking to express your best in colour and style mail me your phone number - we can discuss how I can help you express your spirit, vision and goals in all you wear!

info@lisa-pippus.com

Photos:
Earrings. www.netaporter.com
Interior: www.taschenparis.com

DRESSING at FIFTY Captivating. Classy. Visible.

2011-10-15T01:33:00.000-07:00

Berlin workshop dates: www.lisa-pippus.com

A wonderful example of the impact soft and suble clothing and colours can have.

The Dior Suite at the St.Regis Hotel, New York.

I had two beautiful fifty plus customers this week who came for colour consultations.
They had bought into an idea that turning fifty meant 'beauty' wasn't an option. Yet as we talked - they revealed their desire to dress as the captivating women they were. It takes a while till it comes out - women are often afraid of the 'S' word - that they can't use it. Sexy. Especially after 50 - but when I tell them they can and should look visible, classy and captivating they light up. And I sense the relief!

Knowing that you can look capitvating energizes and inspires.
I am happy that in helping women develop a stronger personal brand I am really giving them permission to be these three things: Captivating. Classy. Visible. How?

Know the colours you love. Know your range of colours. Your contrast level. Your personal colours and your body shapes. your body shapes is guide to clothing styles and fabrics that suit you.

Keep a record of colours you love. due to the media and trends many of us are no longer aware of what we really love. Start keeping a scrapbook colors that touch you. They reveal much about you. You may need more lightness in your life - more depth, more richness.

Helen Mirren is a beautiful example of some who is gowing beautiful.
I have chosen two interiors with suble and elegant colouring an inspiration for her colour choices and refinement level. Subtle can have impact and class and these interiors can inspire colour choices.

FOUR WOMEN of STYLE: what works & what doesn't

2011-10-11T05:22:00.000-07:00

I did a consultation a few days ago with a very stylish women. Why did she come to me?
To really discover her true colours. Especially as women get older they often become unsure of how much creativity and visibility they can bring to their dress style. The answer: a lot when they dress in their true colours. When you really wear 'your' colours you have more freedom to be creative and not look overdone.

The richess of ther brown mirrors her eyes and hair.

Again this beautiful deep plum mirrors her depth.

This colour does nothing for her as she has no grey in her natural palette.

Two women of exceptional style - Franca and Carla Sozzani. The lightness of the beige repeats Carla's glorious hair whereas the black makes Franca disappear,

Rachidi Dati has deep not light colours - so light blue and grey are not a powerful enough contrast for her.

Perfect - the black velevet adds richness and depth - repeating what we find in her.

Decide for yourself. Which photos show the woman's natural colouring highlighted by the clothing colours?

EXECUTIVE PRESENCE - how to look like your job

2011-10-05T02:28:00.000-07:00

Ms Lagard: looks like a powerful woman in public office

Christine Largard has bold body language and takes up visual space: she has executive presence.

The Sozzani sisters: look like they are the editor of Italian Vogue and a successful fashion entepreneur

Lauren Hill: has a strong brand as an indepent, powerful woman in the music business

Executive presence for women can be a challenge because it it more complex than for men.

Shala Monroque: looking elegant and creative: every bit a fashion editor and journalist

Michelle Jean: former Gov. General of Canada. Her brand: classy, creative and visible.

Michelle Jean. Feminine is powerful

I gave a talk to a 100 women executives yesterday on A Powerful Personal Brand in Speech and Dress. Of course the question is always - what exactly is executive presence and how to get it. My response is that for men the power look is more clearly defined. Dark grey or blue suit, red tie for power, blue for credibility and white shirt. Men also need support to achieve this however because actual look is easily defined it is much more easily explainedd and achieved. Not so for women. the options are many and so achieving it requires more skill.

The essence of power for women is that it is a very feminine look.
With that as the starting point you then need to look like a leader in your field. An executive in a corporate setting will look different to an executive in a advertising field. A fashion stylist looks different to a successful stylist. Both will exude a visible presence, will dress for impact with clothing that looks expensive - both will look classy and willing to be seen and heard.

Christine Lagard & Michelle Jean. Lauren Hill. Franca & Carla Sozzani. Shala Monroque. Each of these women looks like her job.
This is crucial for a leader or executive. That people easily and quickly recognize and identify you with your job. If you say you are a bank directore and the respnse is- over I would never have thought that - then you are in trouble. The same would be if you say you are an artist and people say - wow I thought you were a teacher. One of the reasons I offer coaching from 10-20 hours is that this is not a two-hour quick fix. It is a journey to establish your brand. your walk, talk, voice must all match and present a unified message.

BUSINESS WARDROBE - Jil Sander style

2011-09-26T07:53:00.000-07:00

You want to be credible, professional and influential. But also inspired and authentic.

Jil Sanders spring 2012 collection wonderfuly, clear simple and chic. You can take this collection literally, or use it to inspire. Before I take my customers shopping - I discover what they love. Then build the wardrobe around both what they need and what they want. Fashions shows are a chance to discover what moves you -what colours, shapes, fabrics you want in your wardrobe. You can quickly see what you love - what you hate.

Is this something for you?

Stay tuned - I will show you highlights from the fashion shows in Milan and Paris to inspire your business dressing.

Runway photos.: www.style.com

A VISION COLLAGE - the first step to authentic style

2011-09-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Sarah Moon photo

Franca Sozzani

A collage is the first step to a business wardrobe that really works.
Building a business wardrobe that really works for you is not about portraying an image. It is about developing your unique style - wearing clothes that communicate yiour purpose and are a reflection of who you are. In order to understand both the spirt and direction your of yor style I start by having you collect pictures you love. Photos of clothes that inspire you - without thinking if they suit you, if you can wear or afford them. Photos and images of colours, clothes, things and people that touch your soul in some way.

My job is to look for clues:translating your vision into words, clothes & fabrics.
The clues start repeating and I find patterns - however slight they starting showing who you are. And they often suprise my clients. A left-wing feminist can't believe she really has chosen so many elegant pictures. I see that along with the Che Guevera top an elegant black pencil skirt comes in. An artist is suprised that yes she loves creative- but also chic looks. Bright colour blocking but only in one focused place - so the total look is creative chic and not crazy. I go over the colllage for about an hour- moving photos round - creating clarity. Then put words to what I see. So you not only see what you love but can also speak about it. This is important because when your style has words it is easier to buy it, combine it and understand it.

L'Wren Scott spring 2011

Bottega Veneta Fall 2011

Your collage holds you accountable when you put together an outfit.

L'Wren Scott spring 2012

Because you will want to slip back to what you have always done. With your collage I ensure you go where you spirit and vision are. Here are photos I love. Can you see already how easy it would be to walk past certain clothes with this in hand. In my case it is clear that all accent colours would be light. Of course I will need a base colour - you saw a few posts back I chose grey and plum. From my collage photos clearly black does not play a predominant role - the emphasis is lightness, elegance rather than drama.

A vision collage takes the guess work out of shopping and outfit combining.
After the collage we look at your colours and your body shape, the job you have, the one you want - your career goals. But we always go back to your collage and what feeds your soul. That is what authentic style is all about!

Photos: clothes from www.style.com
Franca sozzani courtesy www.thesatorialist.com
Interiors: www.carolynquatermaine.com

BUILDING A BUSINESS WARDROBE: using eye colour

2011-09-16T00:16:00.000-07:00

Wearing your eye colour can help you connect to people.
Eyes are the window to the soul. I was in Cologne yesterday for a workshop and once again I saw that women seldom know the treasure of their eye colours can be repeated in their clothing to make them glow. A good shop assistant can always help a man bring his eye colour into a tie. Unfortunately, few shop assistants are trained to do the same for women. They will tell you what is 'in' not the colours they see in you. To be successful in business you want your clothing to always create a frame around your face and draw people to you. Wearing eye colour makes you look confident - aware of who you are.

Demi can wear brighter colours but this Gucci knit dress would be a perfect base colour to bring out her eyes.

This coat from The Row would pick up both eye and hair colour.

This coat would pick up her skin colour and could be worn with the polka dot YSL scarf below to add the high level contrat the she needs.

These Bijou Heart earring would connect eye and hair. If she wants more simplicity then just a diamond stud would be enough.

A good colour consultant can show you all the colour found in your eyes.
I work with the Carla Mathis System - she has spent over 40 years perfecting this highly personalized method. With the 4 season method you know your range of colours but never your body signature colours. Aside from being an amzing woman - Carla is truly committed to helping women see who they are in living colour. With her sytems you can see every colour in your eyes. This is valuable and helps you to make right choices in accesories as well as clothing. You may , for example have some topaz highlights in the cemter of your eye and these could be used not as a garment but as small highlights in earrings. These are the details that you need to make the best choices when shopping!

Clothes and accessories: www.netaporter.com

Dress for your success with your hair colour

2011-09-08T08:38:00.000-07:00

Look at the difference here and...

..here. Halle Bery looks good because she is beautiful, her clothes are well cut and fit her. But honestly - grey does nothing for her!

Accepting the impact of wearing your hair colour.
I am always happy when my clients are happy. When their desired outcome is achieved. And always when they see- sometimes for the first time - the effect wearing their hair colour has. Again a reminder of the importance of your hair colour.

Image, style & colour as a holistic package.
Clothes only work when they become one with the wearer and express a part of who she is. that is style. Fashion is when the clothes sort of sit on her - you see the clothes before her.

Seeing is believing.

The Melting Effect: style is when the colours, clothes and person all melt into one.

The trend effect: the dress stands out more than the woman. It is too bright and distracts from her.

Why is this? We are bombarded daily with trends, style magazines and fashion in TV shows and ads - women lose touch with and find it difficult to accept their physical selves. Look at the photos and see for yourself. The impact simply knowing your hair color can have!

Look at how she and the colour of the dress become one!

Are you ready to have a consultation that shows you your true colours?

YOUR VISUAL IDENTITY - business wardrobe capsule 1

2011-09-04T10:04:00.001-07:00

A wardrobe capule is aset of clothes all in one colour. A business capsule wardrobe to help you create a strong visual identiy. Easily.
That could mean forexample a set of clothes in grey, plum and navy. Or grey, plum andblack.bordeux and black. Brown, salmon and teal. Or even black, black, black.Youchoose.....

Developing a capsulewardrobe means knowing what clothing articles you need and will wear.
Only choose a suit as thecore of your capsule if you area suit person. Here is an example of a wardrobe capsule for me.
Shoes, coat, trousers,skirt, jacket, top, blouse, cardigan, bag, belt, dress, stockings, socks, earrings,scarf.
Once I you have these items in your first formal basic colour - do the same in your second colour.

Why is building a strongwardrobe difficult for some of us?

1. Personalitiy type: if you are a "P" or"I" in the Myerrs-Briggs personality type, someone for whompossibilities and variety or essential - you will find it challenging todiscipline yourself in shopping. I know because this is me. Sometimes you don'twant to buy a boring basic but rather colourful or exciting clothing. In theend it will pay off and you will really be able to combine your clothes better."S" personality types find it miúch easier to excersie disciple andself control and stick to a shopping plan.

2. You don't know yourcolour palette or body shape.
Once your have your colours done and find out your best colours it iseasy for you to choose three neutrals- two formal and 1 casual. when you have astyle analysis and discover your body type it will make it so much easy to walkpast clothes that won't benefit your wardrobe.

3. Impatience. Building a wardrobe takes time.
It takes time to learn any new skill. So begentle on yourself, get help from an image consultant, find out your bestcolours - learn about your body type and be prepared before you hit the shops.

Business capsule one in grey

Donna Karan dropwaist dress
$1,095 - net-a-porter.com

DAY Birger et Mikkelsen cardigan
£200 - net-a-porter.com

Burberry wool blend coat
$1,395 - net-a-porter.com

Fendi tailored pants
£400 - brownsfashion.com

Paul Smith knee length pencil skirt
$330 - paulsmith.co.uk

Ralph Lauren Collection pointy toe pumps
$525 - net-a-porter.com

Mulberry gray bag
£775 - matchesfashion.com

THIS IS WHAT WARDROBE STRESS LOOKS LIKE

2011-08-28T22:49:00.000-07:00

Wardrobe stress happens when we shop without a plan.
If we went food shopping this way we would have a fridge filled with all kinds of yummy things but nothing we can combine for a meal. Just as a good meal requires having a few essentials on hand, a wardrobe that works for you also requires certain basic ingredients. Succesful wardrobe requires know and planning.

Why are basics so essential?
Because you need clothes that fit together. Not orphans in stay in your closet and don't get worn.

Am I suggest you can't buy glorious, adventurous pieces?
Never!! But you might just have many glorious pieces in your closet that you cannot wear. And if you don't get some basic items you many never wear your exciting ones. Be they scarves, shoes, coats or whatever.

What is a basic?
There are three kinds of clothing:

1. Basic: simple shapes, unicolour, no additional details
2. Costume: contrast colour or piping, flowers, patterns
3. Character: military details, chinese toggles, lace up

Too many character and costume pieces make it it difficult to get dressed.
Look at the photos above and imagine you wake up to this in the morning and have to quickly combine. These pieces are on their own are all exquisitelybeautiful - clothing from of highest quality and from top designers. Still it would be near impossible to quickly create an outfit because all pieces are costume or character. Does your wardrobe resemble the one above? Beautiful but too complex for effortless chic?

Conclusion
If your wardrobe looks like the one above and:
1. It works for you - you thrive on a creative mix: cool!
2.You find it stressful getting dressed in the morning. Your clothes are beautiful but too complex for effortless chic. You want to avoid wardrobe stress and get dressed easily......stayed tuned for the next step.

photos: www.netaporter.com

FAMOUS WOMEN of STYLE: it's in the basics

2011-08-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

I gave a workshop in Berlin on the power of a strong personal brand yesterday.
I do this about 4 times a year- for an organization that helps women in Berlin find a new career direction and vision. Eight years ago I did this three month program myself and I am very happy to talk about how I became an image consultant- my failures and successes. After my talk 3 or 4 women come forward and I give them personal branding coaching -style, colour and speech advice and encouragement.

It is always becomes clear that they are missing basic uni-colour wardrobe pieces.
This makes it a challenge to dress effortlessly and at the same time skillfully and purposelfilly. Colour and patterns are wonderful. But when you need to build up a wardrobe that provides you with effortless style you need basic uni-colour pieces. I will write more about this in the next days - the importance of creating colour modules.

For now - here are photos of well know women and their basic wardrobes.
There is a lot of black in these photos because it is easy. However, you may not like black, want to wear it OR it may be be the right colour to bring out the best in your skin. Know your version of black: charcoal grey, light grey, light or dark chocolate, aubergine, bordeaux, sage green, champagne or cream. Of course you could be more radical....and choose tomato red or orange. You will need more clothes if you do that. Less outstanding neutrals can be worn more often and combined better.

An effective color consultation will help you discover your basic colours. This is the first step to building a beautiful and funtional basic wardrobe.
So check out the photos. If black is not one of your best colours you can learn how to create the effortless chic these women have. Whatever your version of black is - stay tuned. in the following days I will give you the secrets to creating your wardrobe modules.

DEFINING YOUR BRAND

2011-08-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

Decide how you want to be percieved by your target group.
This is the key to controling your image and how you want others to see you.
It is so simple. Yet many don't do it and self-sabotage their careers. I worked with a young man this afternoon - he has an interview tomorrow. I asked him for his three words and he said ' That is a good question'. It really is!! I work with so many people who haven't decided how they want to be seen by their target group. yet this is an essential element to success and to simplifying your life. When the young man finally decided on friendly, confident and action-oriented we could start. We videoed a few challenging questions and saw that he was getting stuck.I explained that friendly was a smile for him, confident was standing to his non-standard resume and and career mistakes and action -oriented was always explaining how learnt from his mistakes and took action to move forward.

What to wear to an interview when you want to come over as friendly.
He told me that he had planned on a black shirt. Not if you want to come over as friendly I said. Cool, creative but not friendly. in this case, black would have the opposite effect of what he wanted.

Defining your brand is the first step, what you say, wear and do flows from those three words.
Look at the Audrey Hepburn and Albert Einstein - these people have clearly defined brands. What quickly comes to mind when you think of them?

What is the message of your brand?
What three words make your heart sing? how does this translate to speech. And clothes? Grooming? Colours?

ANGELINA JOLIE's BEST GREEN

2011-08-21T06:24:00.000-07:00

What are my best colors?
When you know your colors many things happen.
1.Your outside starts becoming a more accurate reflection of who you really are.
2. It is easier to shop and to walk past outfits that are lovely but not for you.
3. You can build a wardrobe based on less clothing but more of what suits you.

Does the color 'melt' into your face?
When the color stands out and you see it before you see your face it is not your signature color. Probably too strong. When the color and you melt into one then it is one of your best colors.

Why then is it so difficult to find, buy and wear your best colors?
Angelina Jolie is a good example. All the greens work except the long Versace sequined dress at the bottom. It is too strong and you see the dress before her. It is a hard color for her.

Accepting your best colors is also about accepting and reflecting who you are.
AJ has soft coloring. Particularly the last picture at the bottom - you see how how her face just melts into the color. In the picture before - the long sequined Versace gown is too deep a contrast for her. Perhaps she wanted to be drammatic and not show her softness. Catherine Zeta jone on the other hand has a very clear contrast coloring - the dark green is perfect for her. It really picks up the contrast between her hair, skin and eyes.

Your level of energy is important when choosing color.
Nicole Kidman has a very spring-like brightness to her and also a lightness. This is perfectly reflected in the green dress and the lightness of the fabric. The texture of the fabric picks up the texture of her hair.

Who are you in color?

Get inspired by Vogue at Versaille

2011-08-17T22:57:00.000-07:00

Inspiration from the past can help you build a wardrobe you love!I must confess I didn't go to Paris knowing about this exhibition. When we got our tickets I saw that this was included. Imagine my joy! The great hall of Versaille is beautiful but a little overwhelming for me- too much to see, too many tourists and too rushed.

Developing your style means becoming more and more aware of what you love!
The 18th Century Back in Taste Exhibition was perfect. In the Grand Trianon building down at the bottom of the garden - it was small scale and peaceful. Few people were there, and thoses that were were as enthralled as I was. The backdrop of opulance and beauty for these 18th century inspired pieces was breathtaking.

Opulance, beauty, creativity: become aware of what you want more of in your wardrobe.
The colour combinations, the fabrics and the cut and proportion of clothes. Exhibitions like these are wonderful because they train your eye at a high level. you become more aware of what you love, and this allows you to more creatively put your own wardrobe together. each of the designers from Vivienne Westwood to Chanel and Comme des Garcons was in spired by the 18th century. One designer more elegantly, one more artistically and another more opulantly.

Expand your knowledge of what you love!

Learning about style and colour in Paris

2011-08-16T23:12:00.000-07:00

In Paris you can learn about style everywhere!
Although we had big family breakfasts on my holiday in Paris - I did go out early in the morning to breathe in the exquisiteness of French style at Laduree in rue Bonaparte, Saint Germain des Pres.

Paris can teach you about how to combine colors even in a pastry shop. It is inspiring for the incredidibly high level of refinement and the lack of perfection. And it is important to note that both are trademarks of luxury. As you see in the photos the colour Laduree oozes both luxury and elegance in a refined but imperfect way. As does the tea room quietly nestled in the back of the shop - with its wonderful slightly old world a bit worn but ever so elegant interior. Infact the shop opened in 2002 and before the location belonged to Madelaine Castaing. Madame Castaing was an iconic and eccentric interior designer and Modigliani and the like frequented her shops.

You can bring Parisian flair into your your clothes and accessories if you are willing to dare a little more. This combination of refined, highly visible and a little bit desheveled is the great charm of French style. The French founded the luxury market which is built on high quality made by hand. What is made by hand will never be as robot perfect as that which comes of the assembly line. the french are not big breakfasters so I sat alone at 8.30 in the morning, Bach ( or something classic and quiet ) in the background of the cafe. I could quietly enjoy and take in the beautiful colours and textures. Whether an early morning at Laduree, a sunset on a beach: it encourages us to seek beauty, delight, quiet to feed our souls. And not to drive ourselves crazy going for perfection.

Enjoy the photos!

Back from Paris and Madame Gres

2011-08-09T00:01:00.000-07:00

Simplcity, elegance and mono-colour chic never goes out of style!
Back from a beautiful 10 days in Paris. We did an appartment swap and had a beautiful flat in the Mouffetard area just behind the Pantheon. It was relaxing and inspring which is the best combination for a holiday. Long lazy breakfasts till 1 ( actually a French breakfast at Deux Magot or Laduree at 8:30 for beauty and the soul and then a hearty german breakfast at 11 or 12 for the stomach )and after lots of beautiful places to visit.

A wardrobe, colour and style consultation helps you present yourself more authentically and creatively.
So does an exhibition like this remind of the importance of finding your 'uniform' in your wardrobe. This was an eye opener and a chance to rediscover why basics are so important. What luck that I found out about this one in time. After three days of strolling around and breathing in Paris we went to our first exhibition. I had stumbled across it on the internet here in Berlin. Fortunately it was extended for a month and so we were in Paris just in time. Since my teenage years in Vancouver I have long been a fan of Madame Gres ( 1903-1993) - her clothes are a combination of craftsmanship and art at the highest level. The result being the most simplly elegant garments you could possibly imagine. She originally trained as a sculptress and was married to a Russian painter. This complete intergration of art and wearability is apparent in all her clothes.

The choice of Musee Bourdelle was a stroke of genius because it is just the right size. As exciting as the Louvre is, it is overwhelming. This museum is do-able. It is small enough that you can experience a beginning, middle and end. Secondly, Bourdelle was also a sculptor - so Madame Gres and he really fit perfectly together. He was Rodin's assistant and later taught Giacommetti. The museum was his house and atelier and has a sense of privacy and intimacy here you won't find in a large museum. There were mostly Parisians here - this is not a touristy place. I loved seeing an grandmother with her young son, and also loved hearing the ohla la' s as we rounded each corner to another breathtaking array of clothes.

My final comments:
Although most of these clothes are from the 30's, 40's and 50's each of these magnificent jersey artworks could be worn today.
They achieve the true goal of elegance - exquisite, beautiful and yet simple enough to let the personality and style of the wearer shine through.
Enjoy!

DRESSING for YOUR SUCCESS

2011-07-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

Really means - dressing with clarity, consistency and authenticity. As an image consultant the first thing I need to know is how do you want to be percieved. I ask my client to give me three adjectives that describe how she would like her target group to percieve her. And then I ask if these words make her heart sing. Because if you choose what you think you should - professional, competent and ambitious and it isn't you - you won't be in any way authentic. And worse you will not be expressing what makes you unique.

Photos:www.style.com

That is why step one is to collect photos that you love - including clothing. To dive deep down inside and to become aware of what you really love. Here we find clues to clothing and accessoires that really express who you are. I recently worked wth a young woman who dressed a little pinky and rather alternative. I found so many elegant pictures in her collection. Does this means she leaves her punkiness behind. No - but it means that if she doesn't add elegance she will not be fully expressing who she is.

The more truthful your expression of yourself is- the more you attract people to you. And the more successful you will be. The more successful you are the more you are in a position to help and inspire others to do the same. This is a wondeful reason to dress authentically.

The RIGHT to BE SEEN

2011-06-25T02:25:00.000-07:00

I am very blessed to do image coaching with wonderful women - gifted, ambitious and with a desire to create change in the world. Some wish to promote women in the workplace - others to help those with less opportunities get ahead and flourish.

What I give these women - before we discuss colour, style, cut and proportion - Is their right to be seen! I have come to realize that most women - certainly here in Germany feel that a high level of visibility, especially in dress is indicative of a superficial person. Yet their own careers suffer from lack of influence - directly related to an invisible clothing style. I make clear from the start that if you have invested in your career, put time and effort into your job - dressing the part is essential. Being visible means dressing to show value - done skillfully and authentically - you create a strong brand for yourself.

Getting an image consulation - defining how you want your target group to percieve you - and getting support and feedback are essential. Having influence is the only way to share your treasures. talents, expertise and vision. You have the right to be seen!

Photo 1: www.thesatorilist

CASUAL FRIDAY IMPACT

2011-06-22T10:13:00.000-07:00

Women who have impact and influence think clearly, speak clearly and you know what I will say next - dress with clarity and focus. This well known photo of Audrey Hepburn testifies to the power of simplicity in clothing. The picture has style impact 50 years after it was taken.

Neutrals, the clarity of line and lack of lots od accessories make it easy for the eye to look at. Whenever our target groups gets our message easily - be it from our speech or dress - we have impact.

Photo 1: the jeans could be a longer and not rolled up - there would be more clarity and impact. Cropped but longer - so they are casual but not too casual. This is still work and not a picnic.

Photo 2:
the grey trousers could also be boot cut and not quite so tight around the knee- they look a bit too much like leggings for impact. But the colour palette is wonderful - see how valuable a relaxed outfit in pale grey and beige can look.

Photo 3: this look oozes chic- trousers are perfect but a mono colour would have more impact. or even a tweed - but non -shiny.

Photo 3
I think that a plain navy blazer would make a stronger statement.

Photo 4
she is missing a belt. It is such an elegant look - it needs the belt to finish it - otherwise you might think she dashed out of the house and forgot it.

Photos:
www. style. com
www.netaporter.com

VISIBLE WOMEN WEAR RED

2011-06-10T14:21:00.001-07:00

Red is: passion, fire, burning desire, winning, extroversion. It speeds up the pulse and increases blood presure.Red makes you visible to your target group and send you signal you are comfortable being seen.

Orange is vibrant and warm -open to challenge and activity. it has the physical force of red but is less intense.

so........do you want to bring more colour energy into your life?

Be inspired by these pictures, Each woman here has skilfully used colour. An accessory, lipstick or full on. And you? Today?

Photos

Woman in red hat: the Satorialist

HOW TO WEAR NAVY BLUE

2011-06-09T03:02:00.000-07:00

Understated is hard get right because it can easily become invisible or mousy. This outfitworks because tailored navy blue tone-on-tone appears expensive even when it isn't.

The sandals could be more refined for a conservative job - but otherwise this looks shows how easy and elegant navy is. The classic Saint Laurent mix of black and navy is chic. It would be great for the office with a black tote - the large gold bag if you are in more creative branches.

This is a beautifully creative and funky outfit with a skilled pattern mix. If it were all navy including pumps - with just the drama of her necklace- it would be a stunning classically elegant outfit. This outfit from the Yves Saint Laurent summer collection shows how well navy mixes. A narrower shirt would be less drammatic and more office wearable.

YSL outfit: www.style.com

Other photos: The Satorialist

MEETING MARTA MARZOTTA IN MILAN

2011-04-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

Marta Marzotti the Italiian style icon turned 80 this year. The Milanese Museum of fashion celebrated her with a special evening and exhibition which I saw on my last Milan trip. Marta and her granddaughter were there being photgraphed for a magazine layout. She looked divine - posing glamourly for the photographer - it rather blew my mind to think she was 80!

Marta's assisant confirmed that she indeed possesses an amazing amount of energy - how she focused nd gave her all for the photographer certainly testified to her incredible life force and vitality.

It is wonderful to be in the presence of women who not only age with grace but with such style, verve and joyousness!

Be inspired by YSL to use a neutral plus colour

2011-01-30T08:34:00.001-08:00

The power of neutrals and one colour.
The beauty, impact and effortlessness of such a wardrobe are easy to see. This collection makes for great inspiration for working women everywhere. And proves that simplifying the colour pallete works.

Contact me to find how how this can work for you.

Photos: www.style.com

Simpify your wardrobe

2011-01-30T05:54:00.000-08:00

Tom Ford is a a role model for simplified dressing.
Why? He has created a recognizable, effortless and reduced signature style. His less is more approach forces us to ask what we really love. What do we want to spend our hard-earned money to buy.

A reduced colour palette saves time and money.
If you love colour but want the benefit of a reduced palette jewellry and scarves could add sparks od colours.. Or create your signature style based on one colour you absolutely adore. See my blog on pink as a basic.

A simplified wardrobe allows us to focus on more important things.
As Tom Ford says in the interview - crocodile leather is great. We just need to know it isn't everything. When getting dressed takes too much of our time away from the more important things then we can reduce our wardrobe but not sacrifice our style.

The power and elegance of pale pink with black

2011-01-30T04:12:00.001-08:00

If you love colour you can build your wardrobe around it.
If you adore pink for example you can choose oe or two items in pink and the rest in a neutral to go with it. That way it becomes your signature. This requires planning and a certain discipline to keep focused and be goal-oriented in shopping.

Choose a colours that makes you glow.
This way you will really shione. A colour consultation will show you your best colurs. This becomes an invaluable tool for narrowing down what absolutely makes you glow.

Find out what your best colour is.
Contact me to help you find out what your best colour is. And save time and money.

Photo by Tcaponephoto as seen on Etsy

Clothes www.netaporter.com
top, trousers, pink dress and cardie by L'wren Scott
lace skirt by Giambattista Valli
top by Rick Owens
bag by Marni
ring by YSL
shoes by Tabitha Simmons

Every woman can blossom...in Tom Ford

2011-01-23T07:49:00.000-08:00

Tom Ford is a master of cut, form , proportion and colour!
This is such a beautiful collection. Shown old style couture in a salon to a select 100 guests. What do we learn from this? Firstly, I love that his models age from 25-65. Secondly, that each outfit brings out the what is truly unique in each women. Very often the models are completely overshadowed by the clothes in a fashion show. Ford's clothes are extraordinarily beautiful - yet each woman shines through.

Can clothes that are so expensive and drammatic inspire our work wardrobe?
Absolutely yes. Just as we can be inspired by colour combinations in nature or by a beautiful painting. We analyse what works so well. Then benefit from Ford's genius by using it to our advantage.

Why Julianne Moore's outfit works?
Ford has picked up the exquisite colour of her skin tone in this dress. The bottom is black and feathery so has a lightnesss to it. Julianne natural colouring has no black. So the key here is the lightness of the black which matches her eyeliner. It is the best way for her to wear black without being overpowered. For business it could translate to a skin coloured top with black crepe trousers.

Rita Wilson's look works because....
The black is light and see-through and doesn't weigh her down. Once again black is not in her natural palette so the eye liner is strong enough to balance the black and connect it to her eyes. All jewellry completely reflects her hair colouring. For business this could tranlate: a great cashmere v-neck to allow lots of skin colour and maintain lightness. Jewellry or a scarf in her hair colour.

And Rachel Feinsten?
Obviously the red and pink relect her beautiful hair and energy level. A beautiful pink wool penicl skirt with that DuBarry red in a thin cashmere sweater and pearls for the office. Divine!

Lauren Hutton in the white suit!
She looks gorgeous- Ford has captured her streamlined and slightly cheeky elegance. Ford shows us that at 65 she is as marvelous as ever. I think this is really about the courage to show up visible and valuable and take risks.

It is your energy level not age that really matters

2010-12-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

Your energy level has a lot do do with what you can get away with in clothes.
Diane von Furstenburg glows in photos. She has a radiant smile which captures your attention. This means that she can wear prints and patterns that are quite strong. It works because you still see her. She has strong clear features and quite a high contrat level which means bold patterns work well. But mostly, it is her passionate energy and enthusiasm that allow her to stand out when wearing the colorful prints she loves.

It is never about age. It is about being willing to be seen.
Diane is 65 but dresses to express her passion and enthusiasm for life. If she were quiet and shy we would see the bold clothes but not her.

In the cream dress she shows a softer and gentler side.
The beauty of clothing as a story is that it can express so many sides of our personality. She may also have days when it is important to express a quiet part of who she is. This is a woman who knows how to express who she is in color and style!

photos
www.style.com

The importance of looking valuable for your success

2010-12-05T22:54:00.000-08:00

Our clothes and grooming tell a story.
I regualarly give a talk followed by one on one image consulting for the Berlin Welfare Office. At first the women are sceptical but also sometimes a little aggressive. They are worried I am there to tell them they are doing things wrong. I am not. I show them how you can scientifically analyse style according to the work of Dr. Albert Mehrbian from UCLA. With his info we can analyse a successful impression through clothing into four area: colour, style, qulaity and fit. Grooming being: makeup, hair, nails and smell. All these factors put together tell a story about you: your level of education, social standing, current success and how much you value yourself.
Whether or not the story really reflects who you are. Whether it is an authentic picture of who you are and where you are going is your choice.

A beautiful young punk women came up to me at one of these talks.
She said she knew what I was going to tell her. I said she I was quite sure she didn't. She told me that everywhere she went for an interview they said the same thing. Looking like thatz she couldn't get the job. I asked her to define how she wanted to look. Her choice: professional, creative and confident. I was then able to encourage her that her sense of creativity was fabulous. But in order to look professional and confident she needed to appear more valuable. She needed to create more clarity and focus. She was wearing a leather jacket covered with pins, a ripped black skirt, ripped fishnet tights and old Doc Martins.

In order to look valuable...
this is what I told her: To create clarity she had to reduce her look for focus. Keep only two punk elements. For example I suggested:
A black blazer
Black pencils skirt in wool
Ripped tights
Doc Martines
Classy bag

She was overjoyed. I said it is never about throwing out the baby with the bathwater. Rather to stay authentic and in her case: make her appearance look as though it was a choice, valuable and going places. Looking valauble along with visable is the key to success and career distinction, and I might add happiness.

photos:
1-4 courtesy www.thesatorialist.blogspot.com

Why take a risk with colour?

2010-11-30T10:38:00.000-08:00

Because colour makes you visible!
I was at a conference in Berlin last week called ' women at the top'. It was sponsered by the German Ministry for Education and Research. Anew study done by the ESf in Muich has found out that th most import factor in achieving success for women is visibility. That good self- marketing skills and the ability the get yourself seen count high.

Colour can boost an outfit and your confidence.
And you can find the inspirtion anywhere. From flowers to photos of interiors to fashion magazines. It is about inspiration and not copying the whole picture. A great shot of colour can add to an otherwise soso outfit. Knowing that you have chosen a colour that complimnets you boost your self esteem.

Colour feels like taking a big risk if you aren't used to it.
When I look at the women in the red polka dot I am inpressed. She really felt like being visible. I can remember coming out of an allblack phase, I bought a rdl silk polk dot scarf. the first time I wore it i felt like so naked - the security of my all black attire gone. Since then I haven't looked back!

Photo1 & 2: www.the satorialist
Photo 3: style.com etro
Photo 4: coco + kelley
Photo 5: eric benz

Donna Karan. Authentic and Confident Style

2010-04-29T22:30:00.000-07:00

Strong personal style is clear, consistent and authentic.
The fashion designer, Donna Karan is a good example of this. She loves clothes that are fluid and easy to wear with bold statement jewelry.

The clarity comes from pared down colour palette and fabric choice-mostly jersey.
She wears mostly black, which makes getting dressed very easy. Then she adds bold splashes of colour. She has been consistent in avoiding anything too pastel or cute. She is a strong woman who makes bold choices.

She looks 100% authentic in all she wears.
She has a very curvy, voluptuous body. Jersey is fluid and drapes perfectly over those curves. Stiff fabric wouldn't work and she doesn't use it. Donna knows who she is and dresses for her body and personality. No skinny trousers just because they are in. She is a woman in touch with who she is. Well done!

All photos: www.style.com

Flares for women with curves

2010-04-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

Flares are just the best for women with curves.
I have said it before and I will say it again.It is so important to know your body and really stand to it. Forget trends unless they do your beauty justice. I was so happy to see all these pictures of flares on Style.com.

Flares lengthen your leg, skinny leg trousers don't.
Why? Because with flares you can wear the trouser almost to the ground and you can wear shoes in the same colour and trousers to give a really long line.

Skinny trousers make legs shorter.
They stop at the ankle. You have skin and then shoes. If these are all different colours the length of a short leg is emphasized. Not good.

Freedom is accepting what we have and working with it.

All photos: www.Style.com

Jeans in the workplace

2010-04-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

Wearing jeans confidently in a conservative workplace.
Because we generally associate jeans with free time activities they need to be worn with clarity and impact to work ina conservative environment. This means clear colours. It also means focus near the face.

Flare or bootleg make most women look best and balance a curvy body better.
I know women in their 50's and 60's who can wear skinny jeans. But they are not curvy and they have long legs. So if your legs are short and/or you are curvy most likely you will look best in flared jeans. Flared jeans can be worn longer and so lengthen the leg. Skinny jeans stop at the ankle and shorten the leg.

Harper's Bazar asked readers which jean look they preferred.
Most reader choose the skinny jeans even though they will not be most flattering to the majority of women. I think they liked the funkiness of her outfit. The model with the hat looks classy but it takes some skill to pull this look of AND look confident in a more conservative workplace. Why? Because their are so many points of focus. Her shoes, her bag, her hat. One focal point would have more clarity. Clarity always gives confidence and impact to a look.

The model on the left is 76 and looks dynamite in jeans.
She is Carmen del Orofice. Her jeans look so classy she could wear them almost anywhere. Although readers only gave her 32% she looks a winner to me. Why? The polish and impact comes from the clarity of colours. Her look could be worn by many women and look good - in fact we see Queen Latifiah doing something similar in the following photo. The black jeans and red top give strength and clarity, the bootcut balances her curves.

The funky look is good for a more creative job.
This women got 68%. She looks young, trendy and sexy. It all depends on how you want to be seen.

Feminine is powerful

2010-03-31T23:58:00.000-07:00

These Louis Vuitton looks are so flatteringly feminine.
Most women have a curvy body. These clothes that would work in the workplace, look confident and also flatter the female shape.

For women feminine is powerful.
Traditionally women in power have been very feminine and men in power have been very masculine. The Queen, Michelle Obama and Angela Merkel are examples of this. If you look at photos of Angela ten years ago she was much more masculine in dress than today. Women often ask me -how feminine can I dress. Very is the answer. But not girlie or lightweight in any way. Feminine and powerful is the key.

Women often worry dresses are too girlie when nothing is farther from the truth.
To look feminine and powerful in a dress clothing must be chosen for impact and confidence. It must look valuable and have weight to it it. Nothing too flimsy. These Louis Vuitton looks could work. The skirts are very full and this would need to be toned done, stronger colours used. But they definitely exude a very female and powerful energy.

photos: style.com

The importance of great feedback

2010-03-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

Being famous and beautiful is no guarantee in the style arena.
Susan Sarandon is a beautiful woman. She is also a curvy and tiny woman. In the bottom photo she is wearing a beautiful colour - but the dress! Susan! It is literally ten sizes too big. She is swamped. This is why most actresses go to image consultants. Everyone needs feedback.

The third photo is too dull and too big.
Susan is a vibrant woman but her jacket and trousers have a hausfrau look to them. The sleeves are too long on the jacket. The trousers look old and wrinkled. The outfit does not do her beauty justice.

The tunic is sexy and feminine and flatters her.
It fits her, looks sexy and youthful. The flowing chiffon glides over her curves. The mid-thigh length is good for short legs as it lengthens. Pay attention- the neckline is perfect as it does not make her boobs appear droopy.The colour highlights her gorgeous hair.

Raspberry is her colour.
The raspberry colour is wonderful for her in the top photo. The body hugging style shows off her voluptuous curves. But the neckline is too low. We see first her low boobs then her beautiful face. Oh - the importance of good feedback

Photos: www.style.com

Body signature colours create stability

2010-03-13T04:38:00.000-08:00

Because stability pulls the look together.
An example of lack of stability? A blonde women in a white dress with black shoes.Why? Because your eye would have nothing to connect the black to. However, if you imagine Catherine Zeta-Jones in a white dress and black shoes, it works. Why is this? Her shoe colour repeats the hair colour. This is called stability and pulls a look together.

Imagine Gena Rowlands ( first photo) in black shoes.
If she wore black pumps with her white dress it would connect to her eye liner. Because the liner is strong enough and dramatic enough. So there would be repetition from shoes to eyes. If Gena had no eyeliner and wore black shoes then there would be no stability to the look.

Gloria Guiness skillfully dressed.
In the second photo Gloria has really accentuated her hair colour. Repetition is the key to a pulled together look. It is how you create stability.

Photos: www.style.com

The Importance of Scale

2010-03-08T00:16:00.000-08:00

Amy - those pompoms!
Writer Amy Fine Collins is a beautiful, striking woman with fine features. Style is seeing the woman first and clothing second. In the first photo you see the pompom scarf first, tights second and her third. But perhaps Amy really loves the drama and playfulness of this scarf. In that case a black one would create a more harmonious effect.

Audrey Hepburn style.
The brown dress in photo 2 shows off her beautiful body. The curvy lines in the top reflect both her body and the curves in her hair. We see her first and the dress second. This is how Audrey Hepburn wore clothes. This is style.

The tights overpower Amy.
This happened to Amy Fine Collins in the 3rd picture. She has beautiful , fine features and a strong personality. She needs a balance in the size of the print relative to the size of her features. When she chooses clothing only for her energy level she has to pay attention that what she wears doesn't overwhelm her. Here you see her tights first.

Checks in perfect balance.
In the 4th picture the size of the check is not small. the colour contrast is quite muted and creates harmony. It allows her to wear the dress and not the other way round.

All photos www.style.com

How to wear ( animal ) prints

2010-02-27T23:38:00.000-08:00

Either you love animal prints or you don't.
I happen to love leopard but have no time for zebra. It doesn't matter if you do or not- knowing about prints is the lesson today. It is all about scale - yours and the print's.

Catherine Deneuve looks like a true diva in the her flowing leopard gown.
The colours in the print pick up her natural coloring, taupe, blonde and the darker roots of her hair. The scale of the print is smaller at the top and takes our eye up to her face. The print is a touch too big on the bottom but still works well. Catherine has a beautiful fuller-figure now and anything tight would not have been flattering. The layers of chiffon just glide over her curvy frame making her look luxurious and beautiful. Excellent choice.

The second outfit does not do her beauty credit!
Why? The gold is too shiny - as we get older our faces lose that youthful glow. Matt fabrics are much more flattering. Gold colour is good because it repeats her hair colour - it is just too shiny. The top is a bit tight and stops at her middle. This emphasizes her middle rather than lifting the eye upward to her face. And the trousers!! Cathrine - what were you thinking.?Flowered trouser are not flattering to anyone carrying extra tummy weight. Black trousers would have two advantages. Firstly been more slimming. Secondly given more clarity.

Carine Roitfeld has mastered the difficult task of wearing zebra.
I think zebra is difficult to wear. It is the extreme contrast of black and white in such a large print. It almost always overwhelms the wearer. Carine wears the zebra print well. It is a large print but she has strong looks, and a high level of energy and authority. Hats off to Carine for doing it right. She is wearing all black so the zebra coat is clearly the focal point. Her boots are expensive and so is the material of the coat - giving the look an expensive air. Plus she pimped up the make up level from her normal natural look.

Giovanna has overpowered her beautiful boots.
I have seen Ms Battaglia ( editor of Italian uomo vogue ) in many photos and she is clearly very skilled and at mixing and matching prints. She has a very exuberant style and an Italian love and gift of colour. In my opinion without the orange scarf fine beauty of the boots would shine through. What do you think?
Dear reader - up to you!

All photos: www.style.com

Using your body colours

2010-02-15T07:34:00.000-08:00

The caffe latte dress really shows off Halle Berry's skin.
She could wear a day dress in this colour and would shine. She has such gorgeous skin and it is lovely to see her showing it off. This beautiful day dress would show off her colouring wonderfully. I know she likes skinny black leggings. If she paired them with a silky t-shirt in her skin colour she would be delicious.

Grey does not support her natural beauty.
The grey is simply not her colour and does not enhance her beautiful natural skin tone. She looks groomed and put together. We see she is a beautiful woman. But her beauty is not enhanced. I think it is reassuring to see that even the world's most beautiful women don't always choose the best clothing. It means we all have room to grow and learn.

photos: www.style.com
dress: www.netaporter.com

Every details counts

2010-02-11T08:43:00.000-08:00

The shoes get the most focus of this beautiful picture.
My eye can't decide where to look first -the shoe or the hat. Elegance has the do with a strong sense of the wearer. This means you should immediately be drawn upward and not downward. These shoes are too heavy for the the outfit and even look too big for her.
I have shown two better choices.

photo courtesy: www.thesatorialist.com

Why body colours always work

2010-02-09T22:49:00.000-08:00

These two pictures show how stunning Catherine Deneuve looks in her colours.
She mostly does wear her body signature colours. This means the colours in her hair, skin, lips and mouth. She is a beautiful women and of course even is the green outfit we see that. But it does overtake her. Whereas in the first picture she really shines through.

Why? The turtleneck completely repeats the natural putty colouring of her hair.
The black coat accents the streaks of natural colour in her hair. The coat has a loose cut which flatters her voluptuous frame. The luxuriousness of the fabric makes her look elegant and valuable.

In comparison she seems not as elegant and valuable in the green.
The colour is what you see first. This means the clothes have ended up wearing her and not the other way round.

Photos: www.style.com

Confidence, impact and influence on a budget

2010-01-06T07:03:00.000-08:00

For professional success it is important to look valuable.
I am talking about quality - be it perceived or real. It means choosing with care so that it complements all else in your wardrobe. I have seen cheap things look expensive and expensive will increase your professional success. How do I know? Professor Emeritus Albert Merabian of University of California conducted a study in 1971 on how impressions of people are formed. His exciting discoveries are still considered to be the gold standard today. Theyare used in universities and communication training programs around the world. First impressions are formed:
55% appearance
38% voice
7% content

It gets even more interesting - he breaks appearance into 3 categories:
Appearance is:
clothing
body language
grooming

Clothing is:
Fit, style, colour and quality ( or percieved quality)

Knowing how to look valuable is a professional skill and the ROI is huge.
ROI means return on investment. You will get tremendous value for your money with clothing in neutral colours. The looks above are from the H&M online shop. When it comes to colour neutrals look more expensive than brights. On a limited budget choose neutral clothing. Then jazz it up with a statement piece:

Clothing: all from H&M online
Trench- 39,99€
Tshirt - 9,99€
Skirt - 14,99€
Shoes - 19,99€

The Importance of Wise Planning

2010-01-03T23:29:00.000-08:00

You need to look great but stay within your financial means.
You need to look classy, polished and make a statement. The best way to do this? Build a basic wardrobe that coordinates basic plain and basic statement pieces.The only way to make sure that you will always look good is to plan carefully. Here is the list of basics as written by Madame Dariaux in "Elegance" in 1962. It works today with only a few additions.

Basic Winter Wardrobe
Madame Dariaux worked as salesperson and image consultant for Nina Ricci. In1962 she wrote the wonderful book "Elegance". Her she explains what a basic wardrobe is:

1 coat in a bright colour
1 matching skirt
1 sweater in complementary colour ( beige or brown )
1 black skirt
1 black sweater cardigan
1 black or white silk sweater or T
1 pair black pumps
1 pair flat shoes
1 black leather handbag
1 pearl necklace

My additions

1 pair dark jeans of excellent fit
1 pair black boots
1 white shirt
1 black or navy jacket
1 black or navy trousers
and of course to buythe coat and skirt in a neutral not a bright

These basics are good quality pieces that can be added to every year.
With these coordinated piece of clothing you can get ready in a jiffy and look great!The mustard colour coat and matching skirt are from COS. Image how well they would look with your black pencil skirt and black pumps. With the white shirt and black cardigan.They could be great classics in your wardrobe with careful planning.

coat - 175€
Skirt - 69€

Both available online at COS

Fashion as a tool for expressing yourself

2010-01-01T02:33:00.000-08:00

Fashion takes us forward but at the same time tests our ability to set boundries. Isn't that the art of life? I am excited about 2010 - a whole new year ahead and a new decade. An exciting adventure of growth. Part of that growth comes through how you will choose to express yourself through fashion and clothing in 2010.

A clothing business plan is tool that helps you have the wardrobe of your dreams.
Penning down what you need and want for your wardrobe and personal style. Why - because it is so easy to be seduced by fashion and not stick to what you really need . This is absolutely what all fashion editors do. They do it for their magazines but also for themselves -clearly decide how they want to look and then dress accordingly.
Carine Roitfeld: editor French Vogue
Anna Wintou: editor US Vogue
Franca Sozzani: editor italian Vogue

These editors all have a business plan in terms of how they dress.
Yes, they follow fashion - it shows they can move with the times and are not stuck in the 80's. But they set very clear boundries with their clothing -they know what suits them, what doesn't and they don't sway from this. Regardless of how outlandish the clothing in their magazines is, they remain true to themselves. The aim being to adapt fashion to them and not the other way round.

These ladies use fashion to their advantage.
They use it as a tool for confidence, clarity and creative personal development. They make mistakes, but that goes with the territory of being creative and developing. Only playing safe won't help us to expand and grow.

Questions to ask?
Where do you want to go in 2010?
What works in your closet to take you there?
Where can you grow and use clothing to express more of who you are?
Where can you set clothing boundries to stay true to who you are?

Photos:
Carine Roitfeld and Anna Wintour from www.style.com
Franca Sozzani from courtesy Scott Schuman of thesatorialist.blogspot.com

Defining elegance and chic

2009-12-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

What is elegance.
Often thrown about -seldom explained. I would like to quote the book 'Elegance' written in 1962 by Genevieve Dariaux:

"Elegance is a sort of harmony that rather resembles beauty, with the difference that the beauty is more often a gift of nature and elegance the result of art. The origins of the word come form the Latin elegere, which means to select."

She then goes on to define chic:

"The essence of casual refinement, chic is a little less studied than elegance and it is a little more intellectual. It is an inborn quality of certain individuals, who are sometimes unaware that they possess it. If you are aware that you lack chic, the battle is already half won, because the only really hopeless case is the women who hasn't the faintest idea of what chic is and what chic is not."

And finally Madame Dariaux gives us some examples:

"Marlene dietrich and Greta Garbo had chic, but Rita Haywoth and Eilzabeth Taylor, in spite of their beauty, sumptuous clothes and jewels, did not."

Take a look at the pictures I have posted and decide for yourself. Chic or elegant?

The importance of daring

2009-11-22T22:47:00.000-08:00

Because...it leads to self confidence....which leads to self-esteem...which in turn leads to feeling good about ourselves and health!

It is important to find your very own signature style, a kind of uniform you can effortlessly slip on in a few minutes. But it takes time to develop this kind of style, like learning any new skill you must be willing to work on it, try and make mistakes - and learn from them.This way clothes can become the icing on the wonderful cake of like, but will not become the main part. To get there you will have to stretch yourself, trying things out, making a few mistakes and being willing to to go to new places. Finding your own personal style is a journey and one to be enjoyed. That's why I have chosen Queen Latifah as a wonderful example of someone willing to dare. On her website she defines herself as a woman of style and substance - isn't that what we all want.

What holds us back is the syndrome of:
too thin
too fat
too old
too young
too poor
too busy
too short hair
too long hair
You get it. Too, too too.

Queen Latifah is a wonderful example of someone who isn't going to wait till she loses 10 pounds to dress the way she wants.
She is grabbing onto her life of style and substance now! I love the picture of her in the hat, because I often hear from women they would love to wear one, and she does it with such attitude. also, look at her in both those dresses. Is she not just a fullbodied, gorgeous, sexy confident woman!!

The joy of doubleknit

2009-11-21T08:58:00.000-08:00

It is so easy to sew with and wears well, has a lovely weight that gives it a classy look. I love this www.hotpatterns.com twin set. Ideal for a beginning sewer. I have been sewing for years and still love sewing with knits because it goes so fast. That is what is so great about baking, you can do it in an afternoon. A simple little jacket and top like this would be motivating because it could also be done quite fast. Not as quick as making brownies, but fast enough to inspire more sewing.

The joy of DIY

2009-11-19T23:03:00.000-08:00

It saves money, gives you a perfect fit, is creative and is even relaxing.
DIY means 'Do it Yourself'. Sewing can be so easy and so satisfying, like baking. There is nothing like holding up a skirt and knowing your hands made it. There are so many wonderful patterns out there for very, very simple pieces. A great beginners starting project would be a pencil skirt. Even a complete beginner can do this in an afternoon. And especially as labour is what really sends up prices, you can buy the couture fabric and still have a skirt for 20€ including lining, zipper and snap. And I mean top end fabric like Cavalli, Armani or Moschini!!

Here in Berlin I buy all my fabric at Hüco - www.hueco-stoffe.de They have a huge warehouse and buy seasons ends from all top Italian designers. Their woolens are incredibly beautiful, all designer goods for around 10-12€ a meter. The skirt above is from www.netaporter.com and is Moschino Cheap and Chic. It costs 305€ and you will make it for 20€ from the original Moschino fabric! Is that not a reason to start sewing. If you are planning to come to Berlin -include them on your to do list.

Learning from a Diva

2009-11-19T10:29:00.000-08:00

Because... a little bit of glam goddess is good for the soul.
There are so many glamorous divas to choose from - wherew to start.Today I was thinking back to my 11 years in Milan when I found these pictures of Carla Sozzani. Scott Thurman of www.thesatorialist.blogspot.com has kindly allowed me to use a couple of his photos per month. His pictures are so wonderful and for November these are my choice.

Why an older Italian diva?
I can remember an English friend coming to visit in Milan. She was 36 at the time and was completely bowled over by how glamorous the older Italian women were. Not super dolled up like American women sometimes are, but sort of thrown together in a very effortless Diva-like way. And no matter the age, definitely aware that they can still be sexy. Diva, relaxed, une femme d'une certain age chic.

Why Carla? Very little make up, very very glamorous, very sexy.
She has a wonderful shop called Corso Como in Milan and collects artifacts and clothing she loves. I think she has a great sense of proportion, daring and authenticity about her. Nothing ever looks contrived. She inspires that bit of diva in us at any age.

Why discipline?

2009-11-15T12:04:00.000-08:00

Because....it makes getting dressed so easy.
The less you buy, the more you reduce, the easier it is to be chic. In fact, Andree Putman, the grande dame of design and French interior design legend says it best:

"I love America, and I love American women. But there is one thing that deeply shocks me. The closets of American women. I cannot believe one can dress well when one has so much."

Discipline has to do with knowing what you need and not buying things you don't. A wardrobe that works has something for every occasion. If you got a phone call could you be ready in one hour for:

1. An important business meetings or job interviews in your field
2. A casual lunch cinema outing with a friend
3. A romantic dinner date
4. A swish event

What area of your life would you like to be ready for - at a moment's notice?
It might take discipline to buy for that and... take yourself in a whole new direction. Where do you want to go? What adventure would you like to be ready for...in one hour? With discipline you can be ready for anything!

Clothing is from www.Netaporter.com
Outfit1 is Bottega Veneta
Outfit 2 is Crumpet
Outfit 3 is Missoni
Outfit 4 is Helmut Lang
Outfit 5 is One Vintage

When fashion touches our souls

2009-10-31T12:12:00.000-07:00

Because... the designs we love always speak volumes about who we are.
I have just finished reading The Thoughtful Dresser by Linda Gant. I am still so moved by her interviews of Catherine Hill. Cathrine is a Holocaust surviver who arrived in Nova Scotia penniless and in sandals. She moved her way up as a buyer for Creeds , an expensive designer department store in Canada and later went on to open a very chic boutique Chez Catherine in Yorkville, Toronto. In the book she speaks to Linda Gant about the horror of being paraded naked in front of all the SS men. She knows that her absolute love of clothes, their beauty and healing properties go back to the shame of the brutal nakedness. She took an immense risk when she put a ribbon around her shaved head, an act of defience as the women had to move about completely naked and bald. She said it was this need to be pretty in spite of all the was happening that saved her. In her very chic boutique she would be confronted again and again with shame. But here it was the naked women in her dressing rooms and she discovered she had this ability to heal their shame. With beautiful clothing, covering up the body parts they didn't like. Decorating and dressing them with confidence and beauty.

Let no one tell us about the superficiality of design.
Be it dress, furniture or color- if we love something, it will have healing properties for us.

Photos: www.designspongeonline.com
clothing is www.Netaporter.com
Outfit1 is Thomas wilde
Outfit 2 is Alberta Ferretti

Easy chic by Carine

2009-10-31T10:27:00.000-07:00

Chic has to do with looking pulled together - effortlessly.
Chic looks like the person got out of bed , five minutes late and just threw it all together.

But there is a method to the madness, a system in the apparent effortlessness.
Chic women know themselves, their bodies and develop a signature look - things that that work for them. You often see chic women in black. Simply because it is sooooo easy. Carine Roitfeld, editor of French Vogue is chic. Chic has a lot to do with a uniform, the ease of a uniform that you can wake up and throw on without thinking too much. In fact most chic women do this. Carine Roitfeld wears almost only black, cream and grey -because it makes her life so simple. Only pencil skirts and no trousers.

That sort of discipline makes for chic dressing.
The discipline to reduce your colors and style makes not only for for easy shopping style strategies. But saves a ton of money -because everything works with everything. Chic means money and time saved.

Dressing for confidence

2009-10-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

Because... it gives us the strength to go forth and shine.

With confidence we are prepared to be visible, stand up for what we want and need to say and do. I think Michelle Obama is a wonderful example confidence and brains meets fashion. Thanks to www.mrs-o.org for the wonderful photos and the interview taken from NYmag. Robin Givhan is fashion editor for the Washington Post and the first ever fashion writer to win a Pulitzer Prize.

Cindy Lieve: Do you see Michelle Obama having an effect on fashion?

Robin Givhan: She has had impact in that she set an example for a lot of women who are over the age of 30 who felt disenfranchised by the fashion industry. And I think she is perfect example to them that you can incorporate fashion into your lives, and what makes you look good doesn't necessarily negate your I.Q. And unfortunately, for a lot of people there is the idea that if you show a lot of interest in fashion, particularly in our nation's capital, that you also can't keep statistics in your head.

Isaac Mizrahi: And I will add to that, the First Lady is an actual woman. She doesn't have a tiny thigh, she doesn't have a huge thigh, she has a real thigh. That's a great role model.

Well said guys!

The joy of craftsmanship

2009-10-22T10:46:00.000-07:00

Because beautiful things are good for the soul.
The fabrics in the first photo are hand silk-screened by Carolyn Quatermaine. They bring a joy and light into a room.

The beautiful silk top and skirt by Erdem has a touch of the handmade about it. This gorgeous fabric would be an inspiration to sew up. The sublime chartreuse redingcoate is by Maria Pinto. She is an artist with cut and color.

Beautiful things take time to make. We live in a world where everything moves very fast. Let us be inspired to put on something where we really feel craftsmanship.

The joy of creativity

2009-10-18T09:52:00.001-07:00

Because....it keeps us excited.
Being creativity is an essential part of who we are. In fact In read not long ago in wonderful book by a French psychologist the best ever definition of creativity. ' True creativity is simply about being in the present, in the now.' Unfortunately, I lent the book to a friend long ago and don't have the title but it was a life-changing read for me. She explained that listening to Billy Holiday was moving because she was so present when she sang. That looking at Klee is moving because he was so present when he painted. That we cannot define creativity as singing, dancing and painting- because it is possible to do those activities and not be present. But we can bake and be totally present. We can teach history and be completely present. She is so right. And we can be very present when we get dressed and let our clothes speak volumes about who we really are.

We can let our exterior match our interior.
We can uses our clothes to express our uniqueness - what ever that is. I had an interesting a client last week who said I am really not a suit person. She wasn't. It is true - to be authentic we need to express who we really are. To peel away the layers and use our differences to our advantage. And if we aren't suit people to stand to that and respect it. Of course that calls for creative solutions. I think scrap booking is an exciting way to help us learn what moves us - our passion in color , style and form. It gets us close to what we love and can inspire us. To be more creative and really let our clothing be an expression of who we are.

I love this shot of the Pantone color of the year 2009 - Mimosa.
Twenty years ago I didn't like the color but in the last years it has begun to excite me. We grow and change and so does our taste and what we love. Room interiors are just one way to learn about color and how to use it
creatively.

Clothing: Donna Karan Fall 2008 from Style.com
Interior: www.appartmenttherapy.com

The joy of classic pieces

2009-10-09T12:47:00.000-07:00

Because... classic clothing always gives you a good run for the money.
A classic is an item of clothing that we just wear to death. That is value for money. I love the way each of these women take the classic navy blue blazer and do their own thing with it. Make it their own. Chic, elegant or fresh. That is why basic classic are so valuable in our wardrobe. They are so versatile.

I, personally love the Dries van Noten camel coat. I know it would cost an arm and a leg so I will sew myself one. The point is not what you pay but how much you love it. So whether it is vintage, thrift store, new or home made - classics in your wardrobe make for effortless style!

Coat - Dries van Noten at Style.com
Other photos: The Satorialist