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

Look Your Best Wardrobe Consulting Newsletter - November/December 2008

Patty Pacelli, Wardrobe Consultant

425-736-5893

Transforming Women from the Outside In

Briana Pacelli, Research Assistant

In this issue:

Color, Pattern, Texture and Shine
What to Wear for Holiday Occasions
What to Avoid

It’s hard to believe the holidays are here once again. Though it may seem that potential sources of stress lurk down every decked hall (gift shopping, family dinners, and the like), dressing for every occasion can be a piece of cake. This special edition of the Look Your Best newsletter is stuffed with ideas for putting together the perfect outfit for every holiday gathering. So during this season of giving, take some time to give a little back to yourself, and enjoy looking your best.

Color, Pattern, Texture and Shine

When creating an outfit to wear to any occasion this season, think about incorporating color, pattern, texture, and shine, through your clothing or accessories. Integrating any combination of these four elements gives an outfit depth, visual interest, and style. Below, some ideas of where to start:

Color:

Jewel tones are big this season, and most are universally flattering. Pieces with a more saturated color look more sophisticated and add an air of elegance to an outfit.
Gold and black is another chic color combination, and is great for a formal evening.

Pattern:

A winter version of the spring floral pattern can be found in a watercolor print. These wearable art pieces are just as they sound; made of fabric that looks as though it has been decorated with bright watercolor paints.
Plaid is another big print for this season, and is appropriately festive.
A classic animal print will never go out of style. Pieces with a leopard, zebra, or giraffe print can put an unexpected spin on an outfit.

Texture:

Feathers are a big trend this season, popping up on bags, hair accessories, jewelry, and even a few dresses.
Animal skins such as snake, crocodile, or leather, make any outfit look luxurious (even if it’s not the real thing!)
Lace is a great way to add a little femininity to an outfit. To keep lace from feeling too dated, look for pieces in a dark neutral (brown, black) or a metallic (gold, silver, bronze).
Textured tights with a skirt or dress is both fashionable and practical.

Shine:

Beading and sequins add classy sparkle to your ensemble.
Pieces with metallic finishes act as neutrals and can be worn with almost anything.
An item in a great patent leather is another great way to incorporate shine.
Dark, shiny nail colors in burgundy, purple and brown shades are very popular this season. Try MAC brand “Illegal Purple” $11 at www.maccosmetics.com or department stores.

There are obviously many, many options for incorporating color, pattern, texture, and shine into an outfit. Jewelry is one of the easiest ways to add these elements to your outfit. For a great selection of fashionable, reasonably priced jewelry, check out www.cookielee.biz/jackiedales. However, the combination of elements should never compete with one another. For example, if wearing a piece with a bold watercolor print, make that the focus of the outfit and accessorize with more subtle pieces, such as black patent leather shoes and a solid metallic clutch. Most importantly, have fun and experiment with pieces that express your personality.

What to Wear . . .

To the Office Party: For a semi-formal office party where looking sophisticated is important, a dress is a perfect option. This black sequined dress from Ann Taylor has great shimmer for evening and the v-neck and band which sits a little higher than the natural waist help to elongate the body, while the A-line skirt flatters the bottom half. Accessorize with colorful heels and a metallic clutch.

To the Neighborhood Christmas Party: Neighborhood gatherings of this sort are typically less formal, but it is still important to look put-together and festive. These trouser jeans are flattering on most body types, and come in regular and petite lengths. And when worn with a metallic top, bright colored cardigan, and textured heels, you’ll be the best dressed woman on the block.

To a Family Dinner: At a family dinner, comfort and function can be just as important as style. This cozy sweater dress worn can be worn with tights and great leopard print flats. Use accessories like a patent leather belt or a bold necklace to add visual interest.

To go Christmas Shopping: Navigating through crowded stores for hours can be exhausting, but there is no reason you shouldn’t look great at the same time! Layering long sleeved tees with a scarf and pea coat is great for jetting in and out of stores, while non-athletic Puma sneakers are incredibly comfortable and perfect for a day of walking.

What to Avoid: No matter the occasion or circumstance, good style is all about balance. You never want others to be so distracted by your outfit that they don’t see you. Thus, due to their over-the-top festive nature, the items listed below should be avoided during the holiday season:

Christmas sweaters decorated with Santa, snowmen, reindeer, woodland creatures, etc.
“Cutesy” accessories, such as wreath pins or sleigh bell earrings
Excessive amounts of red and green in combination

To look your best this holiday season 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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