Kristen Kaleal: Unbuttoned

2009-11-30T11:34:00.039-04:00

For me, two things are guaranteed every holiday season:

One, I will buy a ton of pretty wrapping paper and ribbons, even though I already have enough in the basement to wrap Christmas gifts from now until I am 80.

And two, I will gain a sleighful of new clients who call or email me in the midst of a major party-related wardrobe meltdown.

Inexplicably, average women who otherwise have their closets in order, who know how to shop and put outfits together, seem to be the ones most prone to this seasonal phenomenon.

Holiday fashion freakouts can reveal themselves in many forms. Time and again, I see women panicking from a year’s worth of weight gain and the discovery that their standard go-to party clothes no longer fit. Others feel puzzled about unusual (and sometimes downright bizarre) dress code recommendations for holiday parties. And some need an overwhelming number of different outfits to attend a variety of events, from their kids’ Christmas pageants to their own and their spouse’s work parties, plus casual clothing for home parties and a glitzy New Years Eve out.

Indeed, holiday parties can be the gift that keeps on giving, and sometimes not in a good way.

Anytime a client of mine has a wardrobe meltdown – whether related to the holidays or not - it is my goal to make sure it never happens again. As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” (Although I wonder if old Ben could have imagined his advice would one day relate to a battery-powered light-up cowboy Santa lassoing a cactus sweater.)

And you thought I was joking

As we’re getting ready for the year’s biggest party season, here are a few ways that we can all avoid celebration-induced trauma in our own closets.

1. Know what you have

There is no time like the present (ooh, presents! ok, I need to focus here) to take stock of what you already own. Try on each piece of your holiday wardrobe. A few questions to ask yourself:

Does each piece fit?

Is the outfit appropriate for the event?

And most importantly, is it consistent with my current style?

If you answered “no” to any of the above, you may want to re-evaluate that item of clothing or the outfit as a whole.

Additional questions include:

Who is going to see me in it?

Who has already seen me in it?

Some women are highly sensitive to being seen in the same outfit twice or more. Others are not. You will have to answer that question for yourself. While some women focus on having a lot of different clothing options, others prefer to have a few quality pieces. It’s a matter of preference.

2. Resist the temptation to take the easy way out

I have been to many Christmas parties that are filled with women wearing a festive red sweater and black pants. Sometimes the path of least resistance ends in Boringtown, ladies. Even if the sweater is sparkly and embellished, it can still be considered a “uniform.” Change it up a little – even if you pair that same sweater with a black skirt and patterned tights.

3. Be like Santa – Make a List

If you are very social or have a lot of activities happening around the holidays, make a list of all the events you will be attending. Next to each event, make a general note about what you plan to wear. This can mean anything from a sweater and jeans for a party at a friend’s house to an evening gown for New Years. And then put a check next to any event that you are entirely prepared to attend. As you prepare outfits, hang them together in your closet. You may even want to hang your accessories in a freezer bag over the hanger, so all the elements of your outfit are in one spot when you need them.

4. Learn to decipher the dress code

I get an unbelievable number of calls, emails and even tweets from people all year long asking what various dress codes mean. I will give you my secret for knowing what to tell everyone: If the dress code is new to me, I google it. At least it gives me an idea of what is intended. And if that doesn’t work (I am still wondering what “warehouse chic” is), simply call the party’s host or hostess and ask. That way, you will never feel uncomfortable at an event because you are over- or underdressed.

5. Don’t run out and buy something new!

This is the ultimate fashion freakout, and trust me, we’ve all been there. If you know what you have and what you need early enough, you won’t have any reason to panic. Some of the basics I keep on hand are a black cocktail dress, a navy cocktail dress, long black tiered skirt and a new skirt (top left) I bought the other day at Target, of all places!

I was imagining all the different ways I can wear it:

With a red cardigan or a black tuxedo jacket, or a ruffled white shirt or a blazer if I am attending a business function. I know it’s a piece I will be able to wear for years and I can’t wait to have fun with it!

If you have a number of basic pieces, sometimes all you need are chandelier earrings or a fabulous necklace or brooch to look both festive AND fashionable! And isn’t that more sensible and far less expensive than buying a whole new ensemble?

And finally, I know all of you know this, but please leave the tacky Santa, reindeer and snowman sweaters to people attending kitschy ugly sweater parties. We all have far too much self-respect to wear them in the real world!

Unless, of course, your name is Mark Darcy. In that case, you have my permission to wear them all you want.

*swoon*

I have a problem

2009-11-16T13:36:00.009-04:00

Yes, I'm a Cleveland Browns fan.

And I have the clothing and accessories to prove it.

Clearly, this is an abusive relationship, but at least it allows me to shop.

How to invest in shoe booties

2009-11-12T12:22:00.011-04:00

Hi Kristen! I have a seasonal fashion question for you (I know you can help): I want a pair of shoe booties but I don't know what to buy. I want to get the most for my money and wear them with skinny jeans AND casual dresses/skirts... Any suggestions?

My best advice is to treat buying a fun but basic item like booties just like buying a basic pair of pumps.

First, choose a color that will match tights and the majority of your skirts and pants - preferably black or brown - whatever you tend to wear more. Either color goes with denim.

Do you like suede or leather? I prefer the look of suede over leather, but it has to be treated very carefully, so that is a consideration. You will also want to purchase a bootie without a lot of decoration. The less embellishment on them, the more versatile they will be and the more outfits you can wear them with. Sounds like you want to make them an investment piece, so we want to make sure you get a good return on that investment.

I suggest buying booties without a cuff or ruching, both of which can make your ankle and calf look thicker. The sleeker the transition from leg to boot, the slimmer your leg will look.

Open-toe booties or ones with cutouts are trendy, but not practical for the cold, of course. Even with tights on, who wants soggy toes?!

Here are some to think about.

Nordstrom - Enzo Angiolini 'Kaleb'

Macys - Meyer Ankle Boot (Max Studio)

Zappos.com - Joan & David / Hartman

The cuff on this one does the opposite of a thick horizontal ankle cuff. It will actually make your leg look longer and slimmer!

Or you can throw caution to the wind and go for some serious shoe candy!

Agh! To die for.....

Happy 90th Birthday to My Gram!

2009-11-10T11:35:00.022-04:00

My grandma, Helen Jasin, affectionately called "Gram" for most of my life, was born in a tiny town in southwestern PA called Fairchance. What started out as a rather conventional childhood took a detour when her dad passed away from a ruptured appendix when she was only seven years old. She then watched her mother waste away for a couple more years after until she died “from a broken heart.”

Gram and her younger sister Ann went to live with their maternal grandparents - Polish immigrants who already had a houseful of kids.

When she was ten years old, the stock market crashed. She often says what kept her grandparents’ large family from being destitute was the fact they owned a small store attached to their house.

Her Aunt Blanche was nine years her senior (and still alive at age 99) and took Gram under her wing. As Gram often reminisces, Blanche is the one who bought her graduation dress for her and then took her to live in South Florida for three years after she graduated.

Gram & Me (age 3) - I wanted her in the picture too!

While Blanche stayed in Florida, Gram moved to Cleveland. She was at a wedding one night with friends when she met a shy young man, who later turned out to be my Gramp.

They were married and then my mom was born. Aunt Carol followed a few years later. Early in their marriage, they resided in East Cleveland, but later moved to Wickliffe in Lake County, and Gram still lives in the same house they shared for 50 years.

It amazes me that despite having a very rough life growing up, Gram is the most well-adjusted person I have ever met. In this age of everyone seemingly being on antidepressant medication, life coaches around every corner, and so many people in therapy, it IS possible to have a long, happy and uncomplicated life without any of that.

My Gram has always been my biggest supporter and confidante, the greatest listener one could ever imagine, as well as the kindest and most humble soul in the world. I love when she laughs – because she sounds like Barney Rubble and that makes me laugh too.

Gram and Gramp were married for 62 years and Gramp passed away earlier this year, leaving a huge hole in all of our lives.

Because they were so important to each other for so many years, we were worried about how Gram would handle losing Gramp. Either she was going to crumble - or she would make it without him. It has been a difficult road for sure, but she has handled it surprisingly well. Perhaps it is because she learned to deal with unspeakable loss so early in life. She may seem meek and gentle, but underneath is the spirit of a survivor – further evidence can be found in the fact that she lived through breast cancer and has had diabetes for many years now.

Other random Gram facts:

She never learned to drive, she has a blue parakeet named Chippy, she loves the Home Shopping Network and QVC (and has a big jewelry box full of rings to prove it – that was a passing phase though). She enjoys pina coladas and Mounds bars (as you guessed, not great for the diabetes!), baseball, Petti’s Restaurant and Papa Joe's subs down the street.

She especially loves gardening. She has the greenest thumb I have ever seen. She is a nurturing personality, which can best be seen when her yard is in full bloom in mid-Summer.

Gram's Yard, Summer 2009

Her favorite exclamations are “man alive” and “geezooey” (spelled phonetically since I have no idea if that is even a word other people say). I think where other people might swear, Gram says man alive or geezooey.

Today, on her 90^th birthday, Gram slept in, is getting her toenails clipped at the podiatrist (what everyone should do on such a momentous occasion!) and will be going to “some Bones place” for dinner with the family. I assume she meant Smokey Bones :)

Oh, and she doesn’t want to think about her birthday!

Women: The best way to carry business cards

2009-11-08T18:08:00.014-04:00

A wise image consultant once gave me a great bit of advice: Instead of using one of those tiny little metal business card holders, carry your cards in a decorative cigarette case.

But the question is: Since the glamorous heyday of smoking is long gone, where can you find them?

Cigar stores are few and far between nowadays. Sometimes you can find them in vintage or antique stores if you enjoy the thrill of the hunt. I ordered my antique silver case on ebay for about $10.

What made me think of this today is that I actually saw stylish cigarette cases at a store that is accessible to most of the U.S. - teenybopperish mall accessories store, ICING.

The difference between a cigarette case and a traditional metal business card case is the depth. When I used the monogrammed business card case I was given when I started my business, I was constantly replenishing my cards. If I was going to a big networking event, I had to find another place to stash extra cards where they wouldn't bend or warp. What an inconvenience.

There is also room in a cigarette case for your cards on one side and the cards you collect from others on the opposite side. So you won't ever have to worry about how you carry around business cards again.

For business women, it also adds to your professional image to have an attractive and easily accessible place for your cards. The other benefit is that you aren't just throwing the cards you collect into your bag (which is what I often did - VERY BAD - and disrespectful!).

My one question that remains after seeing cigarette cases in a mainstream store...

Is the ICING store trying to make smoking cool again? Or encourage more women to go into business? Hmmmm....

Fishnets: Not just for Dr. Frank-N-Furter

2009-10-19T10:06:00.009-04:00

When it's chilly outside, I tend to wear skirts with tall boots quite a bit. I'm not a huge fan of tights. If it were up to me, I would just run around with bare legs all fall and winter (and flip-flops too!). But that would be silly and I would get sick.

Over the last few years, the unexpected solution to this dilemma has been fishnet stockings.

In the past, if I couldn't find a pair of tights that matched a skirt or boots perfectly, I wouldn't wear the outfit. For instance, I have a plum corduroy skirt that I love and wanted desperately to wear. Good luck finding a matching shade of tights though. I hunted all over the U.S. and part of Canada and found none. The other usual go-to shades, black or brown, also weren't quite right. Neither were 'just a little off' colors like purple or burgundy. The only answer that made sense was nude-colored fishnets and tan boots.

They worked so perfectly that I had an epiphany: When nothing else works, fishnets are sometimes the answer. They increase one's cold weather dressing options immensely.

I know that they have a questionable past. Most people think of ladies of the evening. To me, they have always brought to mind misfits from midnight showings of Rocky Horror.

Just a sweet transvestite...

But that has all changed as they've become so readily available in so many shapes, colors, styles and sizes. Fishnet stockings don’t have to match your skirt or boot precisely, but they should work to blend the two together so that your legs are covered and they don’t attract unwanted attention. Think of them more as a finishing point (working in unison with the other pieces you’re wearing to complete your outfit) than as focal point to draw the eye down to your legs. Unless you want that, of course ;)

Here are a few pointers:
1. They work best with a skirt that ends just at or right above the knee. They are also fine with long skirts. Wear fishnets with a miniskirt at your own risk.

2. I prefer to wear them with knee-high boots - pairing with pumps is okay too. I'm not a big fan of wearing fishnets with sandals for dressy occasions, but with peeptoes, they are fine.

3. If your outfit is “busy”, go for plain tights. If you want to wear fishnets, the more basic the outfit, the better. If you want to wear them with a print, see #4.

4. The tighter the fishnet weave , the more they look like a solid from far away. Smaller patterns are also dressier.

5. Try to match either your hemline color or boot as well as possible for a seamless transition

And a few words of warning:
* Make sure they don’t have a seam up the back for obvious reasons.
* Medium or small sized patterns work best.
* If they get a hole in them, they must be discarded. No holey fishnets.
* Don’t opt for thigh-highs.
* And NEVER buy your fishnets in a Halloween store!

Fall 2009's Wearable Trends

2009-09-24T19:42:00.001-04:00

1) Colorful Statement Bag

B. Makowsky Kiev Hobo – Macy’s

One of the best ways to inject some color into your cold weather drabs is to have a hot bag to grab when you’re leaving the house. Extra credit if you can find a lightweight scarf containing a similar shade of purple. It will look like you put a lot of thought into your outfit. Don't worry - I won’t tell!

2) Menswear Details & Cutouts

Lace-Cut Oxfords - Anthropologie

Accessories influenced by menswear are an autumn fashion staple. Here, a men’s oxford-style shoe is made more ladylike with cutout details, a peeptoe, and a nice high heel. This shoe will look fabulous with brown tights or trouser socks peeking out for contrast.

3) Boyfriend Jacket

Sashimi Blazer (Juniors) - Nordstrom

Everyone seems to be turning up their sleeves this season. While the long version of the boyfriend blazer will never be a flattering look for curvy women, there are lengths out there to suit everyone. And if you don’t feel like investing in a jacket that may not be in style for too long, an alternative is taking a longer jacket you already have, buying small shoulder pads at JoAnn Fabrics and rolling up the sleeves. Instant boyfriend jacket!

4) Ruffles

Elaborate Ruffle Halter – The Limited

We have seen ruffles every season for years now. Do you think ruffles are a good

investment? You bet. They are one of those details that you either love or loathe.

If you have a romantic side to your clothing personality, then ruffles feel fabulous and look great on you. If they’re not your thing, then it’s okay to pass them by.

5) Statement Necklace

Braided Stones and Chains – Forever 21

Necklaces are my favorite accessory. And you thought I would say shoes! Nothing but a necklace can make a drab outfit more exciting both quickly and inexpensively. They are also the recessionista’s best friend because they can transform something you’ve worn dozens of times into whole new look.

With necklaces right now, the bigger the better. Statement necklaces are usually worn close to the face – at 16” or 18" lengths.

6) Cute Hat

Roxy /Sasha Fedora – Zappos.com

In my book, cute hats are always “in” - especially if you live in a chilly environment like I do. Try that scarf trick you used with the bag above with a colorful hat. You can thank me later :}

7) Long Cardigan

Gianni Bini "Forest" Duster - Dillards

Another 80’s trend to go along with the boyfriend jacket, long cardigans are everywhere. Be sure to try on a bunch of them before choosing one. There are many, many styles out there and it is a very tricky piece to pull off successfully if you are short or curvy.

The “duster” style shown above is very flattering to most body types and can be worn to work and with jeans for years to come. A great investment piece.

8) Pink

Michael Kors double-breasted short trench coat – overstock.com

Pink is not necessarily the color you most associate with fall, and that’s what makes it unexpected and exciting. Fall’s pink is a little on the dusty side to go with all the gray shades we’re seeing in the stores. A jacket like the one pictured above can be worn now with a lightweight scarf or it can be a spring jacket as well.

9) Neon

Pretty Ballerinas Neon – revolveclothing.com

If we’re talking about what’s in for fall, we have to touch on the neon trend. All I can do is say a sarcastic thank you to the 1980’s for neon. For those of us who already lived through the wild fluorescents, we will probably skip this one every time it cycles back in fashion. But it’s new to others, so the best advice I can give is to use it sparingly. A simple shoe or bracelet will do – and I won’t have to avert my eyes when you’re walking toward me.

10) Patterned Tights

Worthington® Chevron Tights – JC Penney

Yawn! Patterned tights. Again. They’re not even a trend anymore. They’re an essential wardrobe staple. Hint: When the tights sales start at the end of winter, stock up on plain black and black patterned ones. The darker they are, the more flattering they will always be. I love the large herringbone-type pattern above.

Now that you’ll be looking stylish and feeling hot, the cold weather isn’t so bad, right?

CSI: Creative Style Inspiration

2009-09-07T10:44:00.007-04:00

Have you ever been in a dressing room trying something on that looked good on the hanger, but when you put it on your body, you literally felt like leaping out of your skin?

Perhaps it was a frilly dress you could see yourself wearing to a wedding, when you normally live in jeans. Or you may try out a classic suit - because everyone is "supposed" to have one, even though you are naturally more of a creative dresser.

Perhaps it felt so wrong on you that your body was literally rejecting it!

Now think about your closet for a second. Is every article of clothing, every accessory, every single item in there a true reflection of YOU - not only does it flatter the way you look - your coloring and body shape - but does it also honor who you are on the inside?

Does it feel right when you put it on, or do you feel like you are wearing someone else's clothes? Are you consistent every day in your style?

Do your casual clothes, your work clothes and your social clothes tell a consistent story? And does that story reflect who you truly are?

Make no mistake about it, learning who you are when it comes to your personal style is EMPOWERING. It turns simply wearing clothes into a true expression of who you are.

Fashion Personality is what separates the style icons - from Jackie O., Princess Di, Audrey Hepburn and even fictional characters Annie Hall and Carrie Bradshaw - from the wannabes.

These are people and characters who understood themselves and found their style and it became a true manifestation of their inner selves. Whether through simplicity or creativity, they know who they are and how to express their inner style on the outside.

I know, for instance, that when I go into a department store, there may be ten clothing items in the entire place that will truly clothe both my body and my spirit. When I'm not wearing what I feel my best in, I don't feel quite as "me."

It is a great benefit (and a time saver) to know myself well enough that I can quickly find what I love and what will be make me feel my most authentic.

That's what the concept of fashion personality is all about. Once you wear the colors and contrast levels that harmonize with your unique coloring and after you learn to respect your body - the good, the not-so-good and the stuff you cannot change without a major investment in cosmetic surgery, the next logical step is to understand how to buy what expresses you.

Think about it this way - rebellious teenagers do this naturally. "I'm gonna wear what I want, and if you don't like it, tough!"

So why is it that as we get older, we become more afraid to be unique? We are all individuals, so why not celebrate those differences in the way we dress? You may say, "Well, I am a professional and need to dress in a certain way."

Naturally, maintain the respect you have for your job, but is there anyone telling you that you cannot wear a colorful and funky top under your conservative suit? If it feels right (and is inoffensive), who says you can't go for it?

There are six main fashion personalities. You are most likely a combination of at least two. The more I understood this concept and the more I started to evolve and understand myself, the more I found myself making things up as I went along!

Remember, your fashion life is an adventure. Celebrate it as such! Nothing is right or wrong if it feels good and expresses your personality and mood!

Here are a few examples of the six fashion personalities:

Alluring - Love to wear body-conscious shapes, low necklines, sexy shoes, etc.

Classic - Tailored lines, conservative and professional polish

Dramatic - Likes bold clothing, like to draw attention

Romantic - Soft and feminine, they love how fabrics feel!

Natural - Minimal in approach, tend like functionality and tend to gravitate toward texture

Artistic/Creative - Anything goes, mix and match - value creative expression

How do you determine your own personality? Well, you probably know yourself pretty well already! But ask yourself these questions:

1. How would you describe your current fashion style?

2. Who is your style icon?

3. If you could have only two things in fashion, what would they be?

4. How would someone describe you in terms of your clothes?

5. What would you never be caught wearing?

6. If you had unlimited store credit, where would you shop?

7. What do you wish you could wear, but can't?

And then rank yourself on a scale of 1-6, with 1 being the most like you:

Alluring _____

Classic _____

Dramatic _____

Romantic _____

Natural _____

Artistic/Creative _____

Next time you are out in a clothing store, pull a few pieces of clothing off the rack and try to identify what fashion personality each piece is.

When you know what items attract you - and also which ones to avoid - you can better focus your attention when you shop. That way, only clothing you love, that feels authentic - and most importantly, clothing you will wear will find its way into your closet!

The one time when I don't want a margarita:

2009-08-30T17:51:00.016-04:00

A fashion lesson

This is an extreme example, but it works for anyone, regardless of what you wear on a daily basis, from professional clothing to your casual gear.

The name of the guilty party has been withheld. But she knows who she is.

I attended an event today and found the offending party in full Margaritaville regalia. And no, she does not work for the restaurant chain.

The outfit consisted of:

- Black Margaritaville track suit with sparkly logo on front and huge lime green sparkly margarita on back

- Black Margaritaville T-shirt with same sparkly lime green sparkly margarita on front

- Dangly silver chain earrings

- Massive silver chain necklace with big lime green pendant (and she was very proud that she can change the pendant's color depending on what she is wearing)

- Mega-sequined silver flip-flops

The theme, colors and sparkles were so overdone that she looked one of the Over-60 Housewives of Palm Beach!

This is someone who should know better. She is also someone I dress occasionally. When I asked her about the outfit, she snapped that she wasn't going to a fashion show. I wasn't saying that she looked horrible. My concern was that she was trying way too hard to look stylish.

Here's why:
- I'm all for sparkles and glitz, but if you're of a certain age, they can age you

- Too much flair can be deadly
Where was the flair in this outfit? Everywhere! From the dangly earrings to the extra large necklace, the sparkles all over the front and back of the outfit, as well as the glittery flip-flops. Each eye-catching piece is another distraction. Those distractions take away attention from the person, where it is supposed to be, and put all the focus on the miscellaneous stuff they're wearing. The eye jumps from sparkle to bright color to the movement of the jewelry.

- Mix it up!
If you have an outfit that you bought together and matches, split up the pieces sometimes. Even if you need to force yourself to do it. There is no law that says you have to wear all the pieces together. For her age, I would have loved to see her in stylish jeans, a white T-shirt, and that sequined black zip-up track suit jacket. In this outfit, less would have been more. Even if all the clothing pieces stayed the same and she really wanted to wear a necklace, a smaller, less colorful piece would have been better.

My philosophy is that a 5 year old can match their clothes. It takes more creativity and style to think outside the box and put outfits together. At most, repeat an accent color (lime, in this case) a maximum of three times. My magic number happens to be twice - just enough so that it looks like I put some thought into my outfit, but not so much thought that it looks contrived.

There is a difference between caring how you look and being too aware of your appearance. True style - whether you really have it or if you're faking it like so many of us do - relies on being comfortable with yourself and making what you choose to wear look effortless.

How to get me to follow you on Twitter

2009-07-27T20:37:00.005-04:00

As my follower list keeps growing, I honestly wish I could follow more people. I actually have a smidgen of guilt about this, but it's becoming unrealistic. I'm also challenged by going through Twitter's new follower list format to find people to follow. Is anyone else having issues with this?

This is how I determine who I will follow:

1. Be local. I follow almost everyone I find in my region. We just seem to have more in common.

2. Be in an industry that is related to mine. Naturally, I follow many people in style & beauty. I also follow a lot of career experts and recruiters because that's one aspect of my work.

3. Have an interesting Twitter bio. Being witty, clever, funny or mentioning the word "snarky" gets an automatic follow from me.

4. Send a note @ me and let me know to follow you. It's that easy.

Lessons from Dwight

2009-07-12T23:12:00.007-04:00

We still love The Office. Let's take a close up look at why Dwight K. Schrute
is such a fashion nightmare.

However, he can improve in the following ways (but would he still be as funny??)

1. Don’t forget that your hair matters and it says a lot about you! This may require a change in stylist (if you’ve been going to the same barber for the last 20 years). Be sure to learn the right products to use to care for it (Dwight was voted “worst hair on TV” in one of the online mags recently!)

2. Lose the outdated sideburns – pronto!

3. Long-sleeve shirts belong with a tie – short sleeves are just too casual. Yet some guys dress this way for work every day.

4. Try flat-front pants – they are so much more flattering on most people’s bodies – even a single pleat is better than the double-pleated pants he’s wearing! They make his body look pear-shaped.

5. Grow up and buy an analog watch with a metal band! Gold and silver together give the most options

6. Upgrade your eyeglasses at least every 2-3 years or you’ll look like you’re stuck in a time warp (or like you live in Scranton, PA!).

(Dwight IS doing one thing right – he usually wears the right colors for his skin tone – warm colors - he's an Autumn and that is very intentional on the NBC wardrobe department’s part!)

Get Your Career (in) Gear

2009-07-01T19:36:00.009-04:00

My article from Jobpostings Magazine (2/08)

You have everything you need to wow them in the interview, right? A killer resume, a successful internship behind you, the compulsory dark suit – hey, you even have shiny, new shoes! You have it all together to not only get the job, but also to put yourself ahead on the track to success. Right?

Well, yes and no.

Selecting the right career accessories can take you to the next level in being branded as a credible professional. Your accessories will communicate more than just your good taste. Your appearance details are a sure sign that you care for the details in your job as well.

What’s in the Bag?
Carrying a bag to your interview is just smart. Not only do you look like you have already arrived at the golden gates of success, but you can stash a couple extra copies of your resume and a pad of paper and pen in it as well. For men, the attaché or the messenger bag you carry should be of quality materials – preferably leather – but I have seen nice ones in heavier fabrics like tweed.

Be aware that there are a lot of cheap leather substitutes out there. Buy the best quality you can afford. Your bag should be black or brown, or perhaps try matching your hair color. For women, carry a tote bag or attaché case with a small “wristlet”-style purse inside for your money and makeup. This way, you have the option of carrying everything you need to an interview but can also carry materials back and forth to work once you have the job.

The smaller “bag within a bag” concept allows you to run out for coffee or lunch without having to take your larger tote along everywhere you go. A woman’s tote should be a conservative color for the interview – black or brown. But once you have the job, depending on the industry you work in, you can always branch out into fun colours or subtle patterns to add a little spice to your work wardrobe.

Watch Out
Research tells us that the watch, which used to be a standard workplace accessory, may be going the way of the dinosaurs because we have so many other gadgets that tell us the time. From our computer screens to our cell phones and BlackBerries, who needs a watch these days anyway? An elegant watch speaks a subtle yet eloquent language. It not only says you are sophisticated, but it also quietly states that you value your time, and others’ time as well. Your choice in watch should be analog (leave the digital watch in 10th grade) and should have a metal band – this means gold or silver or both. If you work in a business casual office, a leather band with contrasting topstitching will also look quite sharp.

Gadgets and Gizmos
Keep the number of phones, BlackBerrys, pagers and PDAs you have on your person at any one time to an absolute minimum. We live in a world where most of us have more than one device that we can clip on ourselves. While it may make you feel important at first to be entrusted with so much technology, carrying it around quickly becomes old.

For men, if you do need to wear a piece of communication technology clipped to your belt, make sure that the case is functional and presentable, and only wear one at any time. Women should be sure to have a clip on their cell phone, which you can affix to the inside of your tote. Nothing is worse than “fishing” for your phone in the bottom of your bag when it is ringing, and missing an important call from your boss. Learning to accessorize for success will boost your level of sophistication and help you along on your career path.

Kristen Kaleal is an image consultant and professional wardrobe stylist in Cleveland, OH. Learn more about her here.

Camouflage Makeup Trick

2009-06-13T03:13:00.005-04:00

I'm thrilled that I finally figured out how to use a product I've had in my tool kit for several years now and I think it may be able to help you too.

Since summer is unofficially here (officially, it's 6/21), I'm sure that like me, you're focused on getting your skin in shape since you're probably already showing more of it.

I bought CoverFX's Total Coverage Cream Foundation to use as camouflage makeup. It can be used to cover scars, heavy blemishes, tattoos, etc. I learned to use it almost like paint, where you use a small brush and patiently cover what you need to cover.

But for Miss Impatient, that's too time-consuming.

So I grabbed a thick, flat Cover Girl brush I got for free when I purchased something else and I tapped it in the CoverFX makeup, applied it in a gentle circular motion and covered it with loose powder. I was actually able to make a large patch of discolored skin look almost airbrushed. The large surface area of the brush helped with a consistent (and quick) application.

It took only about 30 seconds and minimal product.

For more severe skin issues, you just alternate the product with loose powder until you have the desired effect.

Pretty cool. And super fast!

The CoverFX makeup line is available at Nordstrom and Sephora and the Cover Girl brush can be purchased separately for around $6.

The Sandal Pledge

2009-06-11T19:22:00.006-04:00

At the start of sandal season, every woman needs to take a good look at her feet!

As a member of the Cute Girl Sisterhood, I pledge to follow the Rules
when wear sandals and other open-toe shoes:

I promise to always wear sandals that fit. My toes will not hang over
and touch the ground, nor will my heels spill over the backs. And the sides and tops of my feet will not pudge out between the straps.

I will go polish-free or vow to keep the polish fresh, intact and chip-free.

I will not cheat and just touch up my big toe.

I will sand down any mounds of skin before they turn hard and yellow.

I will shave the hairs off my big toe.

I won't wear pantyhose even if my misinformed girlfriend, coworker,
mother, sister tells me the toe seam really will stay under my toes if I tuck it there.

If a strap breaks, I won't duct-tape, pin, glue or tuck it back into
place hoping it will stay put. I will get my shoe fixed or toss it.

I will not live in corn denial; rather I will lean on my good friend Dr.
Scholl's if my feet need him.

I will resist the urge to buy jelly shoes at Payless for the low, low
price of $4.99 even if my feet are small enough to fit into the kids' sizes. This
is out of concern for my safety, and the safety of others. No one can walk
properly when standing in a pool of sweat and I would hate to take someone down
with me as I fall and break my ankle.

I will take my toe ring off toward the end of the day if my toes swell
and begin to look like Vienna sausages.

I will be brutally honest with my girlfriend/sister/coworker when she
asks me if her feet are too ugly to wear sandals. Someone has to tell her that
her toes are as long as my fingers and no sandal makes creepy feet look
good.

I will promise if I wear flip flops that I will ensure that they actually flip
and flop, making the correct noise while walking and I will swear NOT
to slide or drag my feet while wearing them.

I will promise to go my local nail salon at least once per season and
have a real pedicure (they are about $20 and worth EVERY penny).

I will promise to throw away any white/off-white sandals that show signs
of wear... nothing is tackier than dirty white sandals.

- Anonymous

Fake Purse Ninja

2009-05-17T12:31:00.010-04:00

I saw a girl carrying a really bad fake Prada bag last night. Thankfully, I don’t see a lot of faux bags anymore, but I decided to dig this article out of the KK archives to remind the world just how bad fake designer bags are - and give a few tips in case you're trying to buy the real thing.

One cannot help but notice the proliferation of so-called "status" bags all throughout the country. What was once an indulgence set aside for ladies of wealth, the designer label handbag has seen its stock take a tumble in recent years.

Many women see no problem with having one or more knockoff bags in their closet. I take issue with this. Not because I am or will ever be a "purse snob" - if such a thing exists - but because fakes have caused the value - both real and perceived - of high-end goods to drop such an extent.

I don't even have a desire to buy a status bag because it would most likely be seen as just another fake, even it I had paid $1800 for it and it came right from inside the locked glass counter at Neiman Marcus. I would have to carry the receipt around and wave it in everyone's face so they would know it was real!

Wouldn't THAT defeat the purpose of an elegant, high quality designer bag??

I will admit that some of my friends carry decent knockoffs and I've even been to a fake purse party (shame on KK!!) but did not indulge (good KK!!)

I’ve even been to a secret back room on Canal Street (the place for buying the best to the worst designer knockoffs) and saw some darn good fakes.

Like all major purchases, if you are going to buy a luxury bag, be sure to do your homework on what you are buying before you plunk down a big chunk of change. Be aware of counterfeiters' shortcuts and watch out for scams.

So let's become "Fake Purse Ninjas" (anyone remember the movie Bowfinger??) and blow their cover!

How to Spot a Fake Bag

1. Know the Products

Sure, most status bags have easily-seen logos. Yes, when you see an "LV" logo, you're probably looking at a Louis Vuitton or a knockoff. That isn't the challenge. Flip through the pages of Vogue or Harpers Bazaar to check out the designers' ads or even read InStyle to see what the celebrities are carrying.

You don't think any celeb would be caught with a fake, do you? Look at the bags close up. Even better, go fantasy shopping and actually feel what a real(ly) expensive bag feels like. There is a palpable difference. You can feel the quality.

It is estimated that 99% of all Louis Vuitton branded goods in the world are fake!

Ironically, the iconic Louis Vuitton emblem was created in the late 19th century to deter counterfeiters!

2. The Materials

A cheap Canal Street (or fake purse party) knockoff will very likely be of suspect craftsmanship. To buy a real designer bag means paying big bucks for the name, but behind that name is true quality craftsmanship.

There shouldn't be puckered leather or imperfect stitching - ever - on a true designer bag. These are works of art and crafted in a way that we don't usually see in our "Made in China" world.

3. The Details

Doesn't everything always boil down to the little things? Zippers, lining, hardware, and trimmings will be heavier and distinct on a true designer item.

Certain Louis Vuitton bags even have antique hardware. The finer points will be more distinct. Bags will be lined with elegant fabrics you don't see in knockoffs.

On a high quality item, the "only you know it's there" details are what set apart the real deal from all the rest.

4. The Certificate of Authenticity

Finally, a quality bag comes with proof from the manufacturer that what you are buying is truly what you think you are buying.

Since so many bags are being sold on the secondhand market, such as ebay, expect for a true luxury bag to come with proof of its veracity. Naturally, counterfeiters are at least one step ahead of everyone else. So be aware that even a fake bag may come with a certificate.

Secret Style: Accent Your Eyes

2009-05-13T08:40:00.022-04:00

One of my favorite parts of having this cache of style know-how is that I get to share it with all of you. I love, love, love these little tricks - they are super simple and fly way under the radar so that no one can figure out exactly what you're up to that makes you look so amazing.

Today's secret is to wear your eye color.

You can actually accentuate and intensify the color of your eyes by wearing something close to your face (a necklace, scarf, tie, etc) that closely mimics your eye color.

Not only will you receive more compliments, but you can look more alert and vibrant if you're giving a presentation or going for an interview. Or if you're in the sales arena - especially for you jewelry designers out there, this is a selling strategy that will have immediate impact for your customer - and it might even help you sell more stuff!

Here's how to do it:

Women

Invest in a beautiful necklace with a semi-precious stone or wear beads or a pendant that matches the color of your eyes.

I have pale green eyes – though most people assume they’re blue. When I wear one of my green necklaces – bought specifically to enhance my eye color – the green gets noticed a lot more!

Some of my green necklaces:

Look at all the individual colors in your eyes close-up in a mirror. Ladies with brown-eyes will see auburn, tan, green, rose brown, gold, etc. When I look at my own eyes, I see green, yellow, gold, aqua, blue, and even light brown! It’s like a stained glass window.

Pick one or more of those colors in a bold piece and wear it near your face for an immediate lift!

Men

A lot of blue-eyed guys buy French blue shirts because they love how ithe color makes their eyes “pop”. (They also like the female attention they receive because of this!) I suggest wearing a tie that is the same as your eye color. I recommend seeking out a plain satin tie or a tone-on-tone stripe or pattern. Let the color speak for itself!

Another trick

Wear the complimentary shade of your eye color for a different kind of impact. Remember the color wheel? The complimentary shade resides directly across from your eye color.

Brown - Purple/Lavender

Blue - Orange & Gold

Green - Reds & Pinks

Hazel (amber) - Blue, lavender, purple

Hazel (green) - Plum or wine

No one will know what you're up to and why you look so extra fabulous, and that's why it's our little secret!

Spice up your Wardrobe with Prints

2009-05-09T22:42:00.005-04:00

A couple of years ago, I realized how boring my wardrobe had become. I had precious few patterns in my closet, but those that I had, I wore quite often.

Several patterns I didn't feel were "right" and they quickly wrote their own ticket out of my closet. I looked at the patterns I wore the most to see what they all had in common and tried to figure out why I felt great and looked good in them.

I realized all the patterns shared one trait - they all contained beige or yellow. They worked with my coloring because I am a champagne blonde. It's all about harmony - my hair color was repeated in the patterns I wore.

I started using this new tactic, and you know what? I started buying (and more importantly, wearing) interesting patterns! My closet isn't boring anymore!!

Most of us appreciate a rule of thumb so we are assured that what we buy will look great on us. Fortunately, this concept works for everyone - whether male or female, and regardless of hair color - brown, red, black, gray, or blonde.

A pattern will generally work on you if your hair color is repeated in it. I think that's why leopard print is perpetually 'in'. It contains so many of our hair colors - blonde, light and dark brown, white, and black. And redheads can wear it because it's in their color palette!

A few more tricks for wearing prints:

The 80/20 Rule
This is for anyone who has attended one of my color events. For best results, when you buy prints, make sure 80% of the colors in the print are from your own palette. The other 20% can be any color in the spectrum. Remember, it's all about creating harmony!

Filling Your Closet
The easiest way to incorporate prints is to use the following list in descending order:
1. Stripes
2. Plaids
3. Checks
4. Dots
5. Abstracts
6. Florals*
*A quick note - be careful with florals in the professional world - they can undermine your credibility

Mimic your face and body shape
If your facial features are on the angular side with dramatic high cheekbones, a square jawline, or thin lips, and you are tall and/or slender, opt for bold, geometric patterns.

If you have softer features and are more curvy, choose soft or rounded prints, like paisley, swirls, and abstract florals.

A mishmash of prints from my very own closet: clothes, bags, shoes, scarves

I'm on the softer, curvier side, so I select patterns that are more rounded, leafy, or swirly - nothing too angular or with hard edges.

Mixing Patterns
Guys do it all the time - a pinstripe suit, striped shirt, polka dot tie. Women, on the other hand, are generally afraid to mix patterns for fear of looking silly, I suppose. I do it quite a bit and I can assure you I don't look silly. I will pair striped or plaid pants with abstract print shirts or jackets.

A few tricks to making this look work:

1. Don't combine more than 2 patterns - unless you are going for a very fashion forward look

2. Items must have at least 2 colors in common

3. Make sure the prints are different proportions - for instance, herringbone (a very tight pattern)
and a large print brocade jacket can work well together if you follow all the other rules

4. Mixing patterns mandates toned-down accessories

Hey Guys! ESPN Knows It. Do You?

2009-05-07T18:42:00.008-04:00

I bet something like this has happened to you:

Your wife or girlfriend tells you that you need some new clothes. You go shopping to appease her. You walk out of the dressing room wearing what you think is a perfectly good outfit, but when she sees you, her face contorts into a look of disgust the likes of which you have never seen before.

Hey wait a minute! You are there because SHE insists you buy new clothes. What’s the deal?

Well, guys, there is a secret to this clothes thing that most men don’t know. And most women instinctively know, whether they realize it or not.

The colors and patterns you wear can either wear YOU or YOU can overpower them if you aren’t careful in your selection. The ideal is to create a balance between your personal coloring – your hair, skin and eye color – and the colors you are wearing.

This is a technique used masterfully by the wardrobe stylists at ESPN. They dress such a variety of skin tones – for the camera, which is extremely difficult - and they make everyone look marvelous. (My heart goes out to John Kruk – I don’t know a wardrobe expert alive who could make that poor guy look better!)

Here’s how it works:

We are all born with a God-given set of traits. One of these is our coloring. We’re not going to focus on whether you are brown-haired, salt-and-pepper, black-haired or a redhead. Or what your eye color is. Instead we are going to focus on working with the contrast level you were born with – this means how your eye color, hair color, and skin tone work together and how they relate to the clothing you choose.

In the example below, the colors the model is wearing on the left are too washed out for his medium coloring and dark hair. In this case, the anemic outfit looks blah and fades into the background because it has no visual interest (i.e., color contrast) to strike a balance with his coloring.

In the picture to the right, there is a much better balance between the model’s features and what he’s wearing (a combination of light and dark). This is the visual harmony to look for when you are getting dressed.

Below, I have used three models: Daniel Craig is the example of Low Contrast Light – he has blonde hair, light skin and blue eyes. Taye Diggs is Low Contrast Deep – because of his deeper skin tone, hair, and eye color. Despite the fact that they are both low contrast, you can see there is quite a difference between the clothing the two would select to flatter them.

Our last example is Danny Ocean, George Clooney. He is a phenomenal example of a High Contrast male. He has dark hair and eyes and considerably lighter skin. There is a reason he looks so good in a tux. His coloring naturally favors high contrast ensembles like black and white.

It is important to note that if chosen unwisely, the colors, contrast and patterns you wear can be at worst visually distracting – hurting the viewer’s eye - or they can even make you look pale and unhealthy!

By keeping color combinations and contrast levels that flatter you close to your face, you will be able to create a sense of balance between you and your clothes. The human eye is attracted to this kind ovisual harmony and it will make you more attractive to current and potential clients and to the opposite sex as well!

Keep in mind that as we age, we lose pigmentation not only in our hair (going gray), but our skin and eyes fade too. As you start to become more “distinguished”, the colors you wear should get a little lighter as well – as if you’re gently and slowly moving closer to the lighter colors that Daniel Craig wears so well.

Can you see yourself in one of these examples? Or are you a combination of two? You may very well be.

My Life in the Closet

2009-05-06T00:07:00.009-04:00

Random thoughts about women and their clothes

I've been at this a long time, friends, and every time I am in a closet, I learn a new insight or some piece of knowledge I already have is reinforced. Here are some of my observations and several truths about women, closets and shopping. You just might see yourself somewhere in here...

A woman's closet is a glimpse into her psyche. Cluttered closet, cluttered mind.

Receiving clothing as gifts is not a gift at all if you don't like them and won't wear them.

I don't know any woman who doesn't rely too much on black.

Buying the best quality you can afford beats out a bunch of cheap items any day.

A good tailor is your wardrobe's best friend. Also know how to sew a hem and do emergency repairs - I'm working on this myself.

The shades of watermelon, mint and teal blue look great on pretty much anyone.

Never underestimate wearing the right underwear - every outfit you own may require a different strategy!

Do you want people to compliment you or your outfit? There's a huge difference!

Fashion and style are contradictory terms.

Understanding what colors and contrast levels work for you is the first step in controlling your closet.

Dress appropriately for your climate. I am asked about turtlenecks all the time. Yes, they are okay if you live in Cleveland, ladies!

Most women want to look younger and hipper, but all say they don't want to look too young, trendy or silly (of course!).

So many women are challenged by shopping for jeans. If you can't find the right pair, set aside a couple of hours to shop only for denim. Odds are, you will find a great pair or two.

Every woman can wear red and yellow. The shade is all that matters.

Try on designer clothing (including jeans) and items that are out of your budget. Understanding how well-made clothes feel and fit will help you make better purchases in your price range.

Musings from a Sole Diva

2009-05-04T14:50:00.009-04:00

Give a girl the correct footwear and she can conquer the world.

- Bette Midler

What is it with women and shoes, anyway? Have you ever wondered why we are attracted to and feel compelled to purchase so many of them? Is it our womanly right to have as many shoes as we desire (or can afford)? Why are the words ‘women’ and ‘shoes’ forever linked in infamy? And why do men need 3 only pairs of shoes when the correct number for women is infinity? Am I the only person who thinks of such things? Probably, but indulge me anyway! Let’s take a peek at why, intentionally or unintentionally, every woman channels her own inner Imelda Marcos.

If the Shoe Fits…
Unlike men’s clothing, women’s clothing sizes are inconsistent and all over the place. What may be a size 6 in one designer may be a size 8 in another. There is no consistent method used for creating women’s clothing, and we all are shaped differently. What happens when you think you are a size 10 but instead a 12 fits because of the designer you selected? It doesn’t make you feel good, does it? If you’re like the rest of us, you probably feel disappointed, your self image is shaken, and you may want to rush into a crash diet, right?

For whatever reason, we internalize our clothing size, beating ourselves up if we aren’t the size we think we should be. Feeling rejected, we may find ourselves in the shoe department. Here, if we try on a pair that is a little snug, chances are we won’t have a full-on identity crisis like we did in the fitting room, right ladies? We just go up a half-size. We think of this as the manufacturer’s problem, not our issue. Problem solved - and another pair finds its way into in our closet.

Shoe Therapy
I happen to think that there are two things that never reject women – food and shoes. We use both for comfort and as positive reinforcement. Not that either is particularly healthy for us. I would rather have a smokin’ pair of strappy stilettos over a piece of cheesecake any day, but different women use different diversions to get through tough times. A relationship gone bad, issues with friends, and strife at work all seem to be lessened with a little momentary splurge.

But when you come down from the high from your funky new Marc Jacobs wedges or when the sugar rush wears off, you’re still left with a problem that isn’t remedied. So the diversion of buying new shoes or indulging in some serious caloric intake won’t make the challenges of real world go away. It just lessens the impact for an hour or two. Problem not solved – but somehow we still end up with more shoes.

The Shoe Collection
Psychological factors aside, there happen to be legitimate reasons why we seem to require a lot of shoes. We have a vast array of clothing needs that are very different from men. While traditionally, guys have the option of wearing pants most of the time, or shorts sometimes, women need different shoes for pants, capris, short skirts, long skirts, casual styles, dressy styles, and the list can go on and on. We need specific shoes and heel heights for our diverse wardrobe. Not to mention basic colors and accent colors, and different shoes for the cold and warm seasons! What does this turn into?

A wardrobe full of shoes, of course! Problem solved?? Fortunately, we are limited by budget and space, and eventually one or the other will run out!

KK's TRUE SHOE CONFESSIONS
Here’s some stuff I’m not too proud of, but feel I need to get off my chest….

1. I buy knockoff shoes
Yes, this is the same person who said don’t, under any circumstances, buy a fake bag! A knockoff shoe merely means that a style a famous maker created is produced with a slight variation in style and typically, with less expensive materials. You would be surprised how many high-end and low-end shoes are made in the very same factory, but the label makes all the difference in the price point! On frivolous shoe purchases, such as the 4” faux pony hair leopard peeptoe Steve Madden knockoffs I bought, I spend as little as possible. Shoes like this will spend most of their shelf life in your closet, so I would advise skimping on fun accent shoes such as these.

2. I don’t care what my shoes are made of
I’m a vegetarian - almost a vegan. Have been since I was a kid. But I will buy almost any kind of animal skin or fur to wear on my feet without thinking twice! They just have to be cute. (Next thing I know, PETA will be aiming buckets of paint at my feet!) I don’t care to own a leather coat, I would never wear real fur, but basically I would wear endangered snow leopard cub fur-lined boots if they looked cute enough.

(I am joking, of course. I would never wear endangered snow leopard cub fur! But I do have a couple of non-endangered skins and hairs that I’m not too proud of as a bona fide veg – sorry! I assure you they are really cute though!!)

3. I buy quantity over quality
There are 5 Basic Shoe Styles that every woman should have in her closet. This is where to be sure to buy quality since these are your workhorses and should last for several seasons.

1) Tall black or brown boots 2) Basic sneakers 3) Flats or loafers 4) Basic black stiletto pumps and 5) Strappy metallic sandals.

Once the basics are taken care of, I’m all about quantity, quantity, quantity!! The more shoes, the merrier!!! (Yes, I have a problem – but at least my feet always look good!!)

***

It’s funny that almost every guy I meet thinks his woman is the only one with a truckload of shoes. I assure them that while yes, we all love shoes (some of us more than others), the clothing that we wear necessitates at least seven pairs of black heels (I am such an enabler!) as well as various combinations of boots, sandals, flats, wedges, platforms, mules, etc, etc.

I tell them that we need our shoes because they complete our outfits. What I don’t mention is that in some bizarre cosmic way they may also complete us.

MOTHER'S DAY COLOR, CLOSET & SHOPPING SPECIAL

2009-04-30T14:58:00.020-04:00

I wasn't planning to do this, but after several requests and last year's popularity, I’ve decided to offer a Mother's Day Special available to Greater Clevelanders only.

This offer is not only good as a gift for your wife or mother, but are available to anyone who has wanted to work with me but has not yet had the opportunity. They are also great as employee appreciation, incentives or door prizes.

Everyone who purchases at least two hours of shopping or closet services receives a complimentary copy of the My Style workbook (a $35 value).

Because I have been hard at work on my book, I haven’t done anything like this in a year – I have no idea when it’s going to happen again.

This special is valid through Sunday May10, 2009 and all purchased services must be rendered before June 30, 2009.

We can accept cash, checks, all major credit cards & PayPal. You can have a gift certificate in your hands today.

(If you are unfamiliar with who I am or what I do, click here for my bio.)

COLOR ANALYSIS - $129 (Regular $175)

ONE HOUR POWER STYLE $99

CLOSET CLEANOUT & ORGANIZATION **OR** SHOPPING
2 HOURS $169 (Regular $300)
3 HOURS $349 (Regular $450)

Gift certificates are also available in any denomination.

Please see below for details and explanations.

COLOR ANALYSIS
Knowing your best colors will make your eyes sparkle. Your skin will look more luminous. You will look healthier and more vibrant - and you can even look pounds thinner and years younger!

The process starts with a short presentation which demonstrates real people wearing the correct colors for their coloring as well as the incorrect ones. Then you will be asked to sit in front of a mirror and will be draped with a series of colors to determine whether your undertones are cool (blue-based) or warm (yellow-based). Next, we will determine the depth of your coloring and determine which of the twelve "seasons" best suits you and we will discuss how that will impact your wardrobe, accessory, and even makeup choices.

A few days later, you will receive a custom color palette which is filled with a variety of color suggestions - from the best basic wardrobe pieces to accent colors that will make your wardrobe more exciting. We also take your preferences into account, so you have colors that you will love wearing.

Knowing your colors is your secret weapon that will save you time and money when you shop and can help you create a more harmonious and cohesive wardrobe.

CLOSET CLEANOUT & ORGANIZATION / POWER STYLE

We have met many different kinds of closets along our journey - large and small, some filled with designer duds and others with discount store buys; closets that are fully-functional...or somewhat less.

The one common thread we've found is that every closet has a story to tell. And just like the diverse closets we encounter, there are a myriad of closet owners, each with a different style philosophy, unique set of personal experiences, shopping tendencies and organizational skills that have shaped their closets. Since no closet (and no owner) has a one-size-fits-all solution, we happily serve many different functions, depending on what our clients need.

From a style therapist who gets to the heart of what ails their closet, to a fashion exorcist who removes years of poor advice and clothing choices that haunt their wardrobe, to a drill sergeant (which one client said she needed!) to finally rid herself of years of overbuying and hoarding clothes she would never wear.

Our favorite role, though, is that of trusted friend and ally - we're your confidence booster and cheerleader. We are there to tell you what you're doing right and give you the knowledge and skills to build a wardrobe that truly serves your occupation, lifestyle, personality and goals - right now and for years to come.

Many women are not aware that they have two wardrobes - the clothing choices they see every day and the possibilities viewed by a fresh and experienced pair of eyes. Why buy more clothes when you have a whole new set of options to explore?

PERSONAL SHOPPING

When it comes to shopping, we usually meet women who are one of three types. There are those who hate to shop and find it difficult and even confusing at times. Others love to shop so much that they buy too much and it may affect both their closet space and bank account. Then there are those who enjoy to shop, but feel like they can use the help of a professional shopper to make better purchases and shop with greater efficiency of both time and money.

We understand that with so many stores to choose from and thousands of items in each, it can get pretty overwhelming when you are trying to figure out what clothing and accessories will work best for you - from your personal style, personality, goals and lifestyle - to your budget.

We are your trusted friend and guide when it comes to hitting the stores. Let us help you weed through everything that's out there and select only the colors, patterns, designers and price points that work for you.

Along with your new clothing and accessories, we want you to leave your shopping excursion with the skills to shop more confidently for yourself. We can teach you the "secrets of the pros" to help you look younger, slimmer, and more exciting each and every day. These tips and tricks are timeless and will bring you a higher success rate every time you shop!

(Would someone please get on my case about finishing my new site - sometimes blogging stuff is NOT easier!)

Navigating the 7 Seas of Sale Shopping

2009-04-13T11:54:00.010-04:00

….and avoid walking the full price plank!

This is a newsletter article I thought I would dust off since pirates (alas, the very, very bad kind) are in the news again.

Ahoy Mateys!

If there is one thing I know for sure, it’s that yours truly shouldn’t watch pirate movies. They’re just too darn inspiring. They leave me dangerously inspired to draw you a map to lead right to the best shopping treasures out there.

You may hear about fabulous deals in consignment shops, outlet malls, thrift stores, little out of the way places, but you don’t know why you never find them yourself.

As your captain, I will help guide you through the rough sale waters. It’s high tide and time to pillage & plunder the stores!

1. Do your research

I must have been a research analyst in another life. How many of my columns include this advice? Regardless, I cannot stress this enough! Know what you like, what colors are your personal basics, and what accent colors look great on you. Know where to get what you like and what it should cost.

For instance, I like going to Talbots for basics. You better believe I hit the Talbots outlet in Solon (southeast of Cleveland). I bought a basic tropical wool suit there for…$60. Regular price was $180. And I’ve been able to wear it together and as separates more than almost anything in my closet. It was the right color, right fit, and I knew it was something I would get a lot of wear from.

2. Be prepared to shop off-season

Get rid of the preconceived notion that hey, it’s sunny now, so that means it’s time to buy capris. Great sale shoppers shop year round and plan ahead. So what if you’re buying tank tops in December and wool pants in June? I know this probably goes against everything your mother told you, but if you find something you love now, you will probably love it five months from now as well. Plus it’s always fun to pull out your winter or summer clothes and find something you completely forgot you bought!

3. Get chummy with the sales staff

If you can get over the fear of being pressured to buy something you don’t want, a good sales person can be your greatest ally. You better believe they have advance warning about sales, and they will usually spill the beans.

Why? Many department stores like Nordstrom have a commissioned sales personnel. And if they aren’t commissioned, like at Dillard’s, you can bet they have a sales quota to meet. If you see something you like on Thursday and the sale isn’t until Saturday, you may be able to get them to hold it for you.

4. Brush up on your sale dictionary

Think quick – what’s a promotion? What does clearance mean? Hmmm?? A promotion is done in-season to push merchandise. This is the same stuff you will find much cheaper at the end of the season when it’s put on clearance. Generally, prices keep getting slashed until the merchandise is gone or until it ends up being sent to an off-price retailer (TJ Maxx, Marshalls) or a clearance center (think Nordstrom Rack or Last Call Neiman Marcus).

The favorite place for my friends and me to pick up good stuff on clearance? After it has bypassed all these channels, it usually ends up on the clearance racks at TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Ross (which I love, but are everywhere EXCEPT the Midwest!)

5. Stay away from oddball pieces

One of my worst buys ever was a brown cotton prairie-style skirt (bought when they were hot) with pale blue embroidery and sequins. Yes, it was 75% off and I wore it for a special occasion, but now it’s going to gather dust in my downstairs closet until I give it away. To me that is a big-time waste. I was shopping at the last minute, which I never do, and I liked it – sort of. But I never would have purchased it in a non-pressure situation.

To avoid this pitfall, make sure whatever you buy can be worn with AT LEAST 3 other pieces you already have.

Even at 75% off, that skirt was no bargain. Not only was it a waste of $40 I could have put toward something I truly love and makes me feel great, but more importantly, it bugs me every time I see it. I always ask myself “Why?”

See, even the pros make occasional mistakes. But believe me, I think of that skirt every time temptation strikes to buy something on impulse.

6. Beware of the BOGO

You may know that this means when you buy one get one half off. To a great bargain hunter, it’s a sucker bet. If you never pay full price for anything, don’t pay full price now, even if you get one for 50% off. Here’s how it works. Say two pairs of shoes are $50 apiece. You buy one for $50 and you get one for $25. Combined, that’s only 25% off. Any moderately adept sale junkie knows that is no bargain.

A better buy that we used to see everywhere is the buy one get one FREE. Keep an eye out for this and take advantage of it when you see it.

7. Buy only what you LOVE and NEED

I have seen way too many closets with pieces of clothing with miscellaneous sale tags still hanging on them – “but it was Jones NY and it was only $20!” Beware – this is a serious money and space trap.

Think of your closet as precious high-rent real estate in Manhattan. You sure as heck want to maximize every square inch – because you HAVE to. Whether you have a huge walk-in closet or a teeny tiny one, there shouldn’t be space wasted by pieces you bought on sale that will never see the light of day. Be smart when you buy.

2009-04-10T20:51:00.010-04:00

Signature (n.) A distinctive characteristic that identifies a person.

The fedora. The leather jacket. The whip (ooh!). Even if you hadn’t read the title of this article, I bet you would have easily figured out who I was talking about.

If you think back through all the movies you’ve seen over your lifetime, I bet you will notice that the great characters stand out in our minds for many reasons – witty dialogue or a great actor playing them, for example – but they may also leave an indelible mark on us because of something that stands apart in the way a character looks. It could be as unique as Princess Leia’s hair in Star Wars, or an accessory that is consistently worn and becomes synonymous with the character, such as Harry Potter’s glasses.

When I was first finding my way around the local style scene, I kept being asked if I knew a certain image consultant - “a striking woman with silver hair and unique glasses”, to paraphrase most of the descriptions I received. Indeed, I did know that woman, who is known for being strikingly attractive, having silver hair and always wearing very distinctive glasses.

Could someone describe you in such flattering terms by the elements of your appearance?

Do you have an eye-catching hairstyle, an interesting accessory you love to wear, a favorite color, or even an intriguing article of clothing that is your signature?

And better yet, why should you have a style of your very own?

Consistency

We need to look consistent and stable. If you have seen my ‘Fashion Victim’ program, I discuss a client who was not consistent and was floundering in both her work and her professional life. I show my audience her Monday outfit, which consisted of a leather vest, boots, gold chain belt, and wild hair. Then on Tuesday, she looked like a librarian, complete with heavy black glasses, hair in a bun, and Laura Ashley floral print dress. On Wednesday, she was a cowgirl – wearing a denim skirt and cowboy boots! This professional young mom was wearing costumes instead of being herself.

Never underestimate the visual clues we are constantly sending out into the world. People want to know that they are getting the same “you” every time they interact with you. Just like Indy was away from us for nineteen years - once we saw that jacket and fedora, we knew right away that he was the same old Indy and was going to take us on a harrowing adventure.

To Stand Apart – in a good way

Every business has a brand. Part of that brand is the logo. We all have a personal brand as well. Our image – our visual presence and how we communicate - create our brand, and our logo may be our chosen Signature Style or accessory. Make yourself stand apart from the crowd by having a unique piece of clothing or an accessory that you always wear. It will raise your profile and make you immediately recognizable.

If you’re a mom, has the wrong kid ever come up and tugged on your shirttail, only to realize “You’re not my mom!” You can make yourself more distinguishable to your own children (and less so to other kids) if you don’t resemble all the other moms out there. Set your own appearance off with an accessory (like always carrying a red handbag) or a color they can associate with “mom.”

Feeling Authentic

We all have something we love to wear, and when we wear it, it lifts our spirits or gives us confidence. For those of you who know me, you know I have a deep affection for bright shades of orange. And while it isn’t a really acceptable business color, I usually stand out in a sea of dark suits. At first, it wasn’t intentional. I started wearing it because it fit my personality and because I was attracted to it. I don’t wear a lot of orange all at one time, but you may see me carrying an orange bag, or wearing orange stilettos, or even an orange top. I cannot explain it, but there is some magnetism that attracts me to orange.

I hope all of you have something that makes you feel that way. Think for a second. What have you worn lately that made you feel special?

Well, now that we know the reasons for creating a signature style that sets us apart, let’s look at the four types of signature styles.

THE GIMMICK

Need attention?

This is best left to the famous (or infamous). Someone who wears a costume is deliberately cultivating a certain image, whether positive or negative. Some examples are:

Hugh Hefner – His silk PJ’s and robe are the hallmark of the “Playboy” lifestyle he created.

Donald Trump – He knows his hair is unique. He knows people make fun of it. He can afford to buy the world’s best toupee. But the hair brings him attention - and that’s what he likes.

Cher – The wacky Bob Mackie costumes. The wigs. Cher clearly loves attention, and what she has worn over the years has brought every bit as much attention as her singing and acting talents.

Dolly Parton – Who doesn’t love Dolly? She is so savvy about her look – “You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap!”

THE SIGNATURE

Standout style

A true Signature Style is typically created for all of the reasons above: To be seen as consistent, to stand apart and to feel more authentic. It is usually intentional and strategic. It’s a way of visually communicating one’s message very quickly and making them difficult to forget.

We don’t all need to have a Signature Style, but those of us who have one leave an indelible mark on the people we meet. Determine for yourself if a Signature Style is something you need to do for yourself or your business.

THE INCIDENTAL

Wear what you love

This is more accessible to everyone out there. Simply buy and wear items that you like wearing. It’s more about personal satisfaction than style as an outside symbol. For me, it’s my orange. (As I sit here, I’m wearing an orange T-shirt. See, I’m consistent!) For a lot of women, they love fun and flirty shoes. Other women are purse divas. My mom always matches her watch to her outfit. I never understood it, but that’s what she likes doing. She doesn’t have an ulterior motive for it, besides making herself feel stylish.

Do you have a color or accessory YOU wear all the time and don’t feel like yourself without?

And finally, we have…

THE UNIFORM

Functionality rules

When you wear the same thing all the time, it is not a signature. It can be comfortable and you may like wearing it, but if it isn't deliberate and doesn't set you apart, it isn’t a Signature Style.

Martha Stewart – Her button-up oxfords show that she is earthy and no-nonsense. She has more important things to worry about. Like her garden, her kitchen, her dogs and her empire!

Simon Cowell – He’s teased about the tight black t-shirt and jeans. He seems to appreciate minimalism – I recall seeing his L.A. home on TV and it was exactly what you would have expected looking at his wardrobe. Simon doesn’t seem to need fancy clothing and fashion to accomplish his goals.

Michael Kors – Michael Kors was asked about his affection for black tees, black jackets and jeans. He responded that he did the whole fashionista thing years ago, but he prefers to put his creative energy into making others look good.

Here are some ways to create your own Signature Style!

COLOR

Gloria Allred – She wears red much of the time. It ties into her last name, but red also exudes power and confidence, and (lucky for her), it also looks great on TV.

Lance Armstrong – How ingenious to build his brand around the color yellow, which is the color the leader wears in the Tour de France. I don’t think anyone can think of Lance without thinking of yellow.

HAIR

Whoopi Goldberg – The dreads are as synonymous with Whoopi as is the sharp tongue.

Betsey Johnson – Her hair makes her unforgettable and it sets the attitude for her brand.

Tina Turner – Tina is known for many things – her voice, legs, energy, and courage – but her signature is her hair. It was really wild back in the 80’s when she reemerged on the music scene (hey, she needed to get noticed!), but it has been a more sedate version for many years now.

Pink – When she first arrived on the music scene, Pink’s hair was, well, PINK. It etched her name in the mind of the public. Since she has built her fame, the hair color changes regularly, but she is still associated with her signature color – and namesake.

ACCESSORIES

Carrie Bradshaw has had several signature pieces over the years, but the flower brooch really took off and became a mainstream trend for a few years.

Drew Carey – He has been known for those black-framed glasses since his standup days. They reinforce the nerdy aspects of his persona.

And of course, Indy – it can be about associating accessories with an experience. (For instance, the Fonz was cool because he wore a leather jacket!)

Color - L-R Gloria Allred, Lance Armstrong

Hair – Whoopi Goldberg, Betsey Johnson, Tina Turner, Pink

Accessories – Carrie Bradshaw, Drew Carey, Indiana Jones

Props to Elton John for turning what was his 1970’s and 1980’s gimmick into a true Signature.

He went from wearing crazy glasses that were part of his onstage and offstage costume to wearing ones that are more toned down, but still flamboyant and attention-getting.

Look thinner without setting foot in the gym

2009-04-05T11:47:00.005-04:00

I was quoted in this month's West Shore Magazine about three ways to quickly dress thinner:

DO IT...when getting ready (5 minutes)

Look thinner without setting foot in the gym. Kristen Kaleal, a Cleveland-based wardrobe consultant, shares three ways to use your wardrobe to shed unwanted pounds.

Grab a long necklace. “Anything vertical will make you look thinner,” says Kaleal, who adds necklaces should hit right below the bust line. “The whole thing is you don’t want to accentuate the bigger part of your body. You don’t want any line to end up on the bigger part of your body.”

Slip on some nude shoes. “Those are really hot for spring. And they should be hot all the time because they really make the legs look longer and thinner,” she says. Unlike gladiator shoes that wrap around your leg and can make you look stumpy, nude shoes (heels preferably over flats) elongate your natural shape, making your legs look like they flow into the ground.

Accentuate your skinny bits. Your neck, forearms and calves are three of the thinnest parts of your body. So show them off and drop 10 to 15 pounds in the process, says Kaleal. Pull back your hair to accentuate your neckline. Highlight your forearms with a three-quarter-length-sleeve shirt. And thin your legs with a skirt that ends right below the thickest part of your calf.

- Beth Stallings

*Credit to Lynne Marks, AICI CIM for those "skinny bits!" I use them all the time!

No one ever says "I want to smell like Britney"

2009-03-25T12:06:00.009-04:00

I'm not a perfume junkie, and in fact, I rarely wear any. But when I like a perfume, I REALLY like it.

In a world of bimbettes putting their names on products, I am really careful about what I buy. Just like I don't buy Jessica Simpson shoes or bags, I try not to give my money to the media celebs who get under my skin. But sometimes, I can't help it - I want to smell like them.

These are my favorite perfumes:

NOT Embarrassing
1. Cashmere Mist
2. Guess by Marciano (right)

EMBARRASSING
1. Midnight Fantasy by Britney Spears (left)
2. Heiress by Paris Hilton

Anyone else out there embarrassed about what fragrances they are attracted to?

(Hope it's not just me!)