Begin 2012 In Style!

Let’s start the New Year off right when it comes to preparing you to be “on trend” with your style. Color is always important but it is even more important to wear what looks best on you (always trumps a trend – always!) but it is also good to know what is going on around you when it comes to trends and how to adapt them to fit you and your own personal style.

PANTONE (here comes the legal jargon directly quoted from their web site) is the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of color across a variety of industries. The PANTONE® name is known worldwide as the standard language for color communication from designer to manufacturer to retailer to customer. They have chosen “the it” color of 2012 – drum roll please . . . 17-1463 Tangerine Tango!!! For most, this means a subsidiary of orange. For the fashion community we wait with baited breath like we are waiting to hear the award for best picture at the Oscars each and every year – then cheer with glee when it is finally revealed. After that the race is on to find things in our own closets (and those close to us) that are in this hot new shade. If none prevail then it’s a shopping we must go.

I know you are thinking “oh goodness I don’t look good in anything orange”. I did too! What I did cheerfully find was that I did like this Tangerine Tango color and that I didn’t look half bad in it either. There are so many ways to incorporate this latest “it” color into your wardrobe without having to wear it from head to toe. Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!

1.   Skinny belt – the perfect way to add a splash of color to the LBD (Little Black Dress) or to any neutral without going overboard. Plus a skinny belt is “in” right now in itself.

2.   Statement Jewelry.  Adding statement jewelry in the latest color to spruce up any outfit and, again, look like you have known for days what the hottest color of the year is.

3.   Scarves.  There are endless ways to wear scarves – which leads me to my next point. Find a scarf with the color incorporated in it and pair it (in your hair, around your waist, in a feminine bow around your neck) with a white T, jeans, and a hot hot shoe. Or find a scarf that is entirely one color and add it around the strap of your handbag for a “pop” of color with any ensemble.

4.   Shoes.  My very favorite piece of fashion fame is the shoe. Oh how I adore shoes —but I must digress. Grab a shoe with the “it” color in it or go bold and get a shoe that IS the “it” color and use it to jazz up a monochromatic look – all black, all white, all grey, all beige, – you get the point. My preference is a 6” platform but flats are a great way to stay comfy and in style at the same time.

5.   Handbags.  Don’t forget the clutch! Pick up an adorable clutch handbag and you will find out fast that not only are you so chic but you don’t need as much in your purse as you thought – new year new outlook.

6.   Cosmetics.  Go crazy and try this shade in a new lip gloss or lip stick. Make-Up is one of the greatest accessories and it comes off if you don’t like it – no harm no foul right?

Fashion and personal style is all about having fun above all. Remember to go with what feels right and what makes you happy. You are the one who has to wear it and you want items that make you feel amazing every time you put them on.

Julia Rutland
Aesthetic Design Style House

Julia Rutland is the Founder and Owner of Aesthetic Design Style House located in Indianapolis, Indiana.  For more information about Julia, her company and the services she has to offer, please visit her website at: www.aestheticdesignstyle.com.

Creating the Illusion of an Hourglass Shape by Karen Boggs

Creating the illusion of an hourglass shape is the biggest step you can take in obtaining your most attractive look. This is achieved by keeping your top and bottom in proportion and having clothes cinched in, at least slightly, at the waist. Rather than wearing loose, shapeless clothes, look for tops and blouses with seams, darts or pin tucks that will provide you with some shape. Do not assume these styles will be uncomfortable. As long as they are not too tight, they should work well even for the most active woman.  An easy suggestion – hold your top or blouse up on the hanger – if it is perfectly square, it is not going to provide your most flattering look. However, a top with some shape built in, will be a great choice!  A small amount of lycra or spandex in the material provides structure, which can be a plus. Avoid thin material, as it tends to be clingy and can emphasize those places you don’t want noticed.

If you want to appear thinner, consider wearing clothes which will elongate the neckline.  These include tops and dresses that show some skin at the neck; for instance, V-necks, scooped out necklines and blouses with several of the top buttons left open. Avoid turtlenecks and tops that come up close to the neckline -these tend to cut the neck in half and can make you appear heavier than you are. Also, to elongate the neckline, avoid short and choker style necklaces -opt for ones with a little more length.

When putting together an outfit, concentrate on creating ONE focal point. Whatever the eye is drawn to will be a focal point – such as shiny material, bright colors, large print and even bold pieces of jewelry.  You do not want to put one of these focal points on your least favorite feature, for obvious reasons. Since a color change anywhere on your body will draw attention, do not have these changes meet at your largest area. A different colored top and bottom should meet either slightly above or below that point.

Too many focal points create a distraction and end up competing against one another. Keep this in mind when it comes to your accessories as well. If you are wearing a striking piece of jewelry, it is best to downplay the other pieces you are wearing.  Be sure and keep your accessories like belts, purses and jewelry in proportion with your size. A larger woman can carry off larger bags and bolder jewelry, whereas, a small framed, petite woman may look overwhelmed with accessories that are too large for her.

Remember, the lines, colors, textures and patterns of all your clothes create an illusion.  Strive to use these illusions to your best interest…sending out the impressions YOU choose to send!

About Karen Boggs

Helping women determine the best styles for their shape and size is the goal of style consultant, Karen Boggs.  Founder of Renew You, LLC, Boggs works with clients through one-on-one shopping sessions and closet consultations. Along with corporate training on professional dress in  the workplace, she enjoys speaking to various women’s groups. Boggs has contributed to a variety of publications including Indianapolis Woman and Enjoy! For more information please visit www.renewyoustyle.com.