Fall / Winter 2012... Powerful Meets Pretty

Burgundy: As versatile and chic as black, wear it with forest greens, your neutral-plus deep teal-blue, gold or peony pinks.

Gold: Woven into a neutral brown or cream, amber or yellowy golds.

Green: Emerald, jade and forest tones.

Blue: Teal shades, soft aquamarine blues, deep dramatic purple-blues.

Purple: Royal, grape and eggplant shades.

When using the darker color shades, pair them with a lighter neutral and then they will pop, or go for a monochromatic (shades of the same color) look.

Camel, mocha, mink brown, grey and black are the neutrals.

Asian motifs. Geometric patterns usually found in menswear such as Glen plaids, subtle stripes, checks. Bold graphic-art shapes.

Leafy, walk-on the-wild side prints, futuristic designs and paisleys.

Classic wallpaper prints. Blanket designs are for the Fall Harmony. Remember, the colors should be blended with no white.

Prints demand minimal and simple jewelry. Often, earrings and a bracelet or cuff are all that’s needed.

Chunky knits, lacy knits and soft cashmere. Stretch flannel, fringed fabrics, tweeds and pattern-coated denims.

Leather has become easier than ever to wear with its newfound suppleness. Stick with tailored, minimalist styles. Choose it in a neutral or a rich neutral-plus color on your fan, not a bright shade.

Suede and croc-embossed leathers on accessories.

Brocades and super-embellished fabrics which are bejeweled and sparkling.

Add spark to your wardrobe with a few new strategic pieces and shop your closet for the rest. While you do that, consider ridding your closet of items that are truly out of style, don’t fit, or don’t excite you anymore.

Versatility is key. Find new ways to wear your favorite pieces and your closet will feel much larger. Just the right jacket could be worn to work, or with your weekend jeans for a casual, chic look.

Try wearing all your clothes instead of the same few things. They’re not doing you any good just hanging in your closet.

You may want to have me help you in a wardrobing session. It’s listed at the end of this newsletter.

Camp-style shirts with roll-up tab sleeves.

Cardigans top tee-shirts, sheath dresses, and combine well with pants of all types.

Textured sweaters, some with patterns and cables.

Pretty blouses, print blouses. To change-up your look, add one of these instead of the usual shirt-style.

Vests, both button-up and pullover sweater styles. These can really pull an outfit together.

Stagger your sleeve lengths by wearing a turtleneck under a to-the-elbow, or three-quarter sleeve sweater. A shirt or blouse works just as well.

The classic blazer, the smart tailored equestrian jacket. The varsity jacket is cropped for this updated classic.

Jackets with sophisticated, athletic, and sci-fi styling in innovative materials.

Military stylings.

The newest coat is roomy with sculptural styling and in color. Tailored classic coats. The trench coat in wools, tweeds and even prints.

The matched suit returns after several years of pairing separates. Skirt or pantsuits are foolproof for business attire. Buy them in solid neutrals and your neutral-plus colors, or in menswear stripes, Glen plaid, or tweed. Heels and good posture are essential.

The suit jacket is nipped at the waist (with optional belt) and shoulders are defined. No traditionally styled blouses this time around. A tucked in scarf, a print pocket square, or a statement necklace can finish the look. Add a printed vest for an alternate finished look.

The modern culottes, shown in tweed and solids, are longer and leaner in style; wear with boots or heels.

Matchstick pants are not skin-tight, but are slim, and straight. Ankle pants are tapered to just over the ankle bone. Your shoes are completely showing and have a closed toe.

Corduroy pants are dark.

Denims are in colors, have embossed finishes and will look dressier when they are dark.

Skinny pants continue on. They need fit or slim legs to go into them.

The pencil skirt. Mini, just above, to-the-middle, or even just-below-the-knee skirts.

Full skirts are flowy, not structured. Consider your waist. A slim one can do any fullness. Curves benefit from pliant fabrics.

Wide hips need pleats that start several inches below the waist. Platforms and ankle boots, not flats, are on the feet.

A-Line skirts flatter all figures, especially, when there’s a bit of flounce or flare at the hemline.

The “little black dress” does not have to be black. How about red, burgundy, deep green or shimmery bronzy-gold instead?

The waist-defining peplum silhouette.

The sheath plus a jacket, three-quarter matching coat or a cape. For a daytime or casual look, add a shorter cardigan, buttoned in the middle, leaving the top or bottom unbuttoned.

The shift (a less fitted sheath that hangs straight from the underarm to the hem)

Leather dresses are well-designed, simple with a flattering fit, and in colors. Leather does not have to
be tough.

Many special occasion styles with brocade, velvet details, feathers, lace, and sparkle.

Many boots to match the mood of your outfit, from casual to dressy.

Lace-up boot-shoes.

Flats, wedges, stilettos, athletic stylings, slipper-shoes.

Eye catching details: cap-toe definitions, buckles, bows, and flowers on the tops.

Color-blocked shoes. Wear these with something that picks up at least one of the shoe colors.

Penny loafers both flat and on stacked heels.

There’s not just one perfect bag. Choose from a creative mix of colors, prints, and textures, including studs.

Classic styles, cross-body bags, totes. Clutches have a new box shape or a fold-over style.

Key pendants, available in a range of materials, tasseled necklaces and earrings.

Link necklaces – delicate or bold. Multi-colored, beaded necklaces that fit within a neckline.

Vintage-inspired pins from your mother’s or grandmother’s era. One of the themes is whimsical: e.g. the owl or peacock. Another is romantic: e.g. floras and filigree details.

Play up your tailored blazer with an intriguing accent pin or pocket square. They can add a feminine touch and personality.

Art deco designs include geometrics.

Bangle or cuff bracelets. Some are romantic and bejeweled; some are bold.

Fun fedoras. Faux-fur vests, scarves add luxury as well as warmth.

Print scarves add interest to plain tee and jean combos, jacket or suits. Gauzy scarves add color and detail without bulk.

Wide-waist belts can dress up a casual cardigan and add shaping to your figure. They can define your waist on a plain dress or full skirt. Skip these, if you’re short-waisted.