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

Look Your Best Wardrobe Consulting Newsletter - October 2008

Patty Pacelli, Wardrobe Consultant

425-736-5893

Transforming Women from the Outside In

Briana Pacelli, Research Assistant

In this issue:

Trend of the Month - Plaid
Skimp and Splurge
Shop Your Closet

Autumn is often referred to as the season of change. Leaves change colors, the weather cools, students begin new classes, and routines shift to accommodate newly scheduled activities. In the midst of all these changes, it is easy to pass by an opportunity to update your wardrobe. But by implementing a few style updates, it is quite possible to make significant wardrobe changes that will carry through autumn.

Trend of the Month: Plaid

Plaid is back as a prominent trend for the fall and winter seasons, and though in the past it has been the brunt of unfortunate stereotypes (lumberjacks, tablecloths, scotch tape), making plaid look fabulously chic is quite achievable and an excellent way to change up your wardrobe.

Starting small: accessories

If you are one who finds the bold pattern of plaid a tad intimidating, there are many ways to start small. Try incorporating small amounts of plaid into an outfit through a headband, bag, or scarf.

Plaid Fringe Scarf, Gap, $29.50: comes in a variety of colors, and the plaid pattern is subtle enough to be incorporated into almost any outfit while still making a statement.

The next step: one statement piece

Plaid pants in a neutral tone are timeless, but if you truly want to take advantage of the plaid trend, try a bolder pattern in a top or a skirt.

Playing Dress-up Blouse, Anthropologie, $78.00

The sash around the waist emphasizes the smallest part of the rib cage, which keeps the large print from overwhelming the body. Great with jeans and a cardigan.

Go for it: make a big statement

If you want to fully embrace the plaid trend, go for one large statement piece, such as a dress or a coat.

Lothians Reel Dress, Anthropologie, $188.00

The black sash emphasizing the waist, the elongating v-neckline, and the a-line skirt make this dress especially flattering.

Skimp and Splurge

With prices rising for everything from gas to groceries to babysitters, it can be difficult to know how when to invest in items for your wardrobe. Here we’ve analyzed the necessary wardrobe items for fall, and found which ones were worth investing in.

Boots: splurge

Though trends in footwear evolve each year, the boot has shown it can stand the test of time. A classic leather boot with in black or brown, with a slim toe and mid-height heel will become a staple in your cold weather wardrobe for years to come.

Donald J. Pliner ‘Ready’ Boot, Nordstrom, $430.00

Scarf: skimp

As long as there is cold weather, there will be scarves, but the trends change each year. While you may want to splurge on a nice classic scarf, skimping on a couple of trendy scarves each year is an easy way to keep your wardrobe updated without breaking the bank.

N ubby Striped Scarf, Urban Outfitters, $14.99-$20.00

Jeans: splurge

In recent years, jeans have become the go-to item for almost any occasion; their ability to be dressed up or down make them incredibly versatile and a staple in any wardrobe. Given the amount of time spent in jeans, investing in the perfect pair really is worth the money. Look for jeans in a dark uniform wash with a classic boot-cut or trouser leg.

7 For All Mankind ‘Dojo’ stretch jeans, Nordstrom, $198.00

A Final Note: Remember that trendy items will always be “knocked off” by stores selling them at lower prices than their designer counterparts. For items that will be in your wardrobe for years to come, it is often worth spending more money on quality pieces. When in doubt, just follow this rule of thumb: skimp on trends, splurge on classics.

Shop Your Closet

For many women, the easiest way to update their wardrobe is simply by looking in their closets and utilizing pieces they already own.

The suit: breaking up the jacket and pants of a suit can give you tons of sophisticated options when coming up when creating outfits (provided the suit is not from 1986). Wear the suit jacket with jeans and flats or wear the suit pants with a sweater or flowy top. In both instances, the more structured suit pieces help dress up more casual pieces, which can carry you through a multitude of different situations.

The button down shirt: not just for wearing under a suit jacket. Wear a button down shirt under a sweater or sweater vest, or pair with a jean jacket, khaki pants, and a non-athletic sneaker.

Patty can help you organize your closet to make “shopping your closet” easy, so you can always find a great-looking outfit quickly.

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

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

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