17Sep

The Key to Easy Outfits is Mastering Monochromatic Dressing

September 17, 2020 Lots of Luxe

Want to make dressing easier with one simple step? Try your hand at monochromatic dressing for a surprisingly stylish look with little effort.

If you struggle with getting dressed every morning, you might be tempted to try anything to change that. There is an effortless way to look chic every day, and that is using monochromatic looks.

The good news is, you probably already have plenty of outfits to start with, and you might not even know it. You might be wondering what I mean by a monochromatic look, and simply put, it’s all about wearing separates of the same color, but with different textures and tones for some flair. You might think the same color from head to toe is dull, but au contraire! Monochromatic dressing can be incredibly chic and powerful.

Here’s how to create a monochromatic look the next time you step into your closet. You might surprise yourself with how simple this is!

When picking out a monochromatic outfit, start with what you already have. Decide which colors you have most in your wardrobe. If you already organize your closet by color, you are a step ahead! After seeing what you have in the same colors, you can mix and match; creating outfits, you may not have thought to put together. You can choose seasonal colors or neutrals, whatever works for you!

White/Cream

“No White After Labor Day” rule be damned, it doesn’t exist anymore. Wearing monochromatic white or cream is done by wearing the lightest tones of white or cream at the bottom and similar hues in the same color family, be it the identical cream/white color, oatmeal, or taupe colors on the top. Wearing cream, taupe, and oatmeal colors top-to-bottom will give a monochromatic look a bit more depth.

Black

If you decide to wear monochromatic black, having all the same shade of black will elongate your silhouette, and you will appear taller and slimmer. This is also true for navy and browns. For many women, this is exciting news! But, it’s essential to add some excitement to the outfit. This can be done with different textures or delicate patterns. You can also add pops of color with a scarf or handbag.

Gray

You can definitely wear all gray (or any neutral). Gray can look classic and chic. If you want to try a monochromatic look but don’t want to try bold colors, gray is an excellent place to start. There are so many shades of gray, and silver tones can be integrated too.

Try Sticking with One Color Family

Many people might shy away from wearing a bold color from head to toe, but it can be done. Just like with all black, sticking to any one color can elongate and slim you. Monochromatic looks can be done with jewel tones, neutrals, or a “color family.” The key is to keep all your separates in the same color palette. Don’t be afraid to experiment with monochromatic looks!

Add a Pop of Color

If you want to break up a monochromatic outfit with a pop of color, you can! Adding a brightly colored accessory can make it pop. While your outfit will remain a visual relief from patterns and colors, a bright accessory can add some interest. Add a hat, handbag, or outerwear in a different color than your outfit. A great necklace or bracelet and earrings with color can be a great way to add that pop-of-color, too.

Welcome a Stylist’s Opinion

If you need an opinion or want a wardrobe stylist to help you create a monochromatic look (or any look), we are available. If you aren’t sure about a particular look, a second opinion from an expert eye is helpful. If dressing is a struggle, we have so many solutions available, from wardrobe styling to personal shopping to a Box of Luxe. If you want to see how it works, reach out for a consultation. See you soon!

28May

What’s Your Power Color?

May 28, 2020 Lots of Luxe

Colors have the power to make us feel emotions, and it’s truly fascinating!

There is psychology in how we perceive colors and it’s used everywhere, from interior design to advertising, and yes, you can use it to your advantage in how you dress! It’s true, colors can affect our spending habits, appetite, stress level, and more.

So, the next time you dress, imagine the feelings you will provoke when you step out into the world. I encourage you to find a power color or two!

Finding your signature power color can help you establish your personal style, increase confidence, and help you influence how others see you personally or professionally.

While some say that black makes them feel powerful, sophisticated, confident and the like, this blog will steer away from all neutrals. Neutrals like black won’t stand out in a crowd and finding your power color is definitely about confidently standing out, so I will specifically focus on bright colors.

Red

Wear red if you want to feel: Passionate, lively, ambitious, sexy, motivated, or in charge.

This ultimate power color stimulates emotions like strength, determination, and desire. Red is associated with love, energy, passion, and action. Some people shy away from red because it’s a color that can’t go unnoticed! Red is such a powerful color that the sight of it raises blood pressure, increases the metabolism, and boosts breathing rates.

Not only does red automatically put you in the spotlight, but it also looks good on everyone. Red is a universally flattering color, regardless of skin tone or hair color. So, if you don’t frequently experiment with wearing red, try it out for yourself.

Power it up: Red is one of a few colors that stands on its own and doesn’t need any help! If you want to wear it as a power color go for crimson, ruby, or cherry red, instead of something muted like burgundy. If you don’t usually rock red, try just some red accessories or red lipstick to get noticed.

Blue

Wear blue if you want to feel: Confident, wise, relaxed, smart, stable, or sincere.

Blue is the power color of corporate America because it’s linked to stability, intellect, precision, and leadership. It’s often named as the best color to wear to an interview, as it’s a sign of sincerity and devotion. Blue is associated with productivity and is likely to be used to decorate offices and studies. This color is also calming and steady. The sky and ocean are blue, which we usually connect with tranquility.

Wearing blue is non-threatening, yet it kindles feelings of someone who is a leader. Blue is the color to wear if you want to position yourself as an authority and be someone that people trust. It’s reliable, secure, and a sign of high intelligence.

Power it up: Wear royal blue, electric blue, or sapphire. While light blue is associated with peace, health, and softness, deep blues as a power color provoke influence and integrity.

Pink

Wear pink if you want to feel: Energetic, playful, feminine, compassionate, or hopeful.

Pink as a power color is positive and bright. In color psychology, pink is a sign of hope, love, and tenderness. Pink is seen as the most feminine color, and it’s almost impossible to not feel girly while wearing it, which is why it’s most often used for women’s events and charities.

Wearing pink brings on feelings of warmth, excitement, and energy. The color is cheery and has youthful vibes. When you want to feel vibrant, pink is the way to go!

Power it up: Choose brighter pinks like hot pink or magenta to wear pink as a power color, as light pinks are soft and nurturing. If pink isn’t a color you typically wear, balance this super feminine hue with charcoal or other dark colors.

Yellow

Wear yellow if you want to feel: Optimistic, happy, positive, or cheerful.

Is there a happier color than yellow? Yellow is the color of sunshine, the color we associate with fun, cheerfulness, and positivity. Yellow stands out from a crowd, much like red does, and it’s one color that can be seen from a distance, which is why taxis and buses are often yellow.

As a power color, yellow is received warmly by others and you’ll be seen in a positive light. Yellow increases mental activity, activates memory, encourages conversation, and builds confidence.

Power it up: Wear bright yellow tones, that signify the positives of yellow like clarity, confidence, and energy because the psychology of dull yellows can be seen as caution or sickness.

Purple

Wear purple if you want to feel: Luxurious, ambitious, regal, wise, or imaginative.

The psychology of purple combines fiery red with calm blue, and purple is somewhere in between. Often associated with royalty, purple elicits feelings of dignity and grandeur. Purple also inspires the imagination, deeper thoughts, spirituality, and fulfillment.

Wearing purple will affect the mind and body with uplifting emotions and introspection. As a power color, purple is both balancing and intense. Purple is the color of imagination and creativity.

Power it up: Purple is the kind of color that any shade of it can be a power color. Purple is almost always eye-catching, from deep gem hues to light purple. Light purples like lavender are rare in nature and also much rarer in clothing versus, something like light pink. Lavender is perceived as graceful, elegant, and can be used to identify wealth.

Power Up Your Closet with Color

Feeling powerful is a personal thing so I can’t say there is just one color that will do this for you, it’s your choice! We all have a color preference and feeling powerful will be affected by our confidence level and how good we feel in our clothes.

I hope you find your power color; wear it, feel it, own it!

Want to learn more? Need help finding your authentic style? That’s what I’m here for. From wardrobe styling to personal shopping, I can help with it all. Get started by contacting me today!

13Nov

Fashion Trends: Love Them or Leave Them?

November 13, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Your Ultimate Guide for Deciding Which Fashion Trends Will Work for You

Are you a trend chaser or a trend avoider? What thoughts inevitably come up when you hear the word “trend’? If trends are working for you, I would never challenge you to leave them. Of course, fashion is meant to be playful and fun. But, if you are a trend chaser familiar with the cycle of buying clothes, neglecting them and ending up with a closet full of “nothing to wear”, then this article could be your saving grace.

If you avoid trends completely, you could be missing out on some exciting new ways to showcase your personal style. The following tips will help you embrace changing trends in a way that doesn’t intimidate or fill up your closet with trends you won’t wear in six months’ time.

Trends come with the seasons and we sometimes have a love/hate relationship with them. You see a new trend made popular by a celebrity, you buy it, wear it once, and then never again. Sound familiar? So, how can you know whether to embrace a new trend or to let it be? Trends can be a fun way to experiment with fashion and self-expression. They can also be challenging to fit into our current wardrobe if our goal is to create longevity with our clothing.

Here’s how to decide whether to welcome a new trend or to leave it on the rack – The next time you’re tempted to try a trend, ask yourself the following questions:

Will the trend seamlessly fit into my current wardrobe?

We want to create and maintain a fluid wardrobe that works well as a whole unit. A wardrobe works best when we can step into our closet and easily choose an outfit, for any event or situation. Wardrobes should be cohesive. If the trend is the opposite of anything you typically wear or if you would have trouble pairing it with your current clothes to make an outfit, then don’t buy it. However, some trends can be easily worn and introduced into your wardrobe; these are the trends you’ll want to invest in. You will be more likely to wear a trend that easily aligns with your current wardrobe.

Is the trend classic or ostentatious?

Some trends are classics that come and go over the years. Classic trends include prints, colors, and fabrics. For example, you’ll notice prints such as stripes and florals pop up over the years, then disappear, and then reappear over time. With a classic trend, you will never look back at old photos and wonder, “What was I thinking?”. It’s the best of both worlds: you get to wear something on-trend and you can wear it for seasons to come.

But how do you differentiate between a classic trend and one that’s ostentatious? The classic trends tend to be more subtle, like a hot color or a popular fabric. While an ostentatious trend is meant to make a statement, such as unique styling. Some trends we’re seeing this fall are satin, shades of purple, and bike shorts paired with blazers. Items in purple or satin might be safe bets to add to your closet, but what about bike shorts with blazers? If this trendy look is a far stretch from your personal style than it may not be for you. However, if you’re a statement-maker, then give it a try! If not, try a more classic trend so you’re still dressing in a current fashion.

Some trends are merely showy and may be popular for a season but won’t stick around as effortless classic trends do. Ask yourself if a certain trend will be worth buying for the long-term goals of your closet.

Does the trend flatter my figure?

Trends might look fabulous on a model, celebrity, or even a friend, but will the trend flatter your own unique body type? Wearing clothing that flatters your body is important for your confidence and for creating a wardrobe that excites you every day. You want everything in your closet to comfortably fit and flatter your curves and body type. If it doesn’t fit in a way that makes you look and feel wonderful, then leave it. Comfort and confidence trump a trend every time.

Does this trend work with my personal style?

Okay, here’s where I can help. A lot of women don’t know how to define their personal style. If you can categorize the way you dress in a couple of words, you will have a template to consider for all your future clothing purchases. You will be able to easily decide what works best for you and your lifestyle, including colors, fits, fabrics, and more. Building a wardrobe is suddenly easier. This step can be especially trying, but an extra opinion from a stylist can be a huge help. Want to define your personal style and make your wardrobe work for you? It’s my specialty! And I always welcome calls or emails if you have questions.

20Feb

Spring 2019 Fashion Trends

February 20, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Spring is an especially celebrated season for many reasons, including in the fashion industry. Spring is a time for new beginnings and for warming up after a long winter. So, in the spirit of spring, here are the trends from Carlisle and ETCETERA for this year’s upcoming season.

Natural Neutrals

In the spring of 2009, Vogue said, “Fashion’s strength this season comes from its quiet authority; dress softly and carry a leopard-spot purse.” Neutrals were big that year and, although neutrals have never left us, they are big again this spring. Neutrals come in all shades of beige: camel, cinnamon, coffee, and chestnut. Earthly neutrals are the perfect basics for building your spring wardrobe. Head-to-toe neutrals are a trendy way to wear a luxe monochrome look. Feel free to add pops of color to neutrals if that’s your thing. Neutrals provide us with plenty of options. Natural colors are graceful and elegant, and they can be easily styled.

Bold Brights

On the flip side of spring’s neutrals, comes spring’s brightest colors. Vibrant shades can enliven your wardrobe whether you choose brights for the office or casual wear. The shades of this season’s brightest colors include taffy, persimmon and all shades in between. Office style gets more than a pop of color this spring. Don’t be afraid to mix spring’s brightest shades for a fun, fabulous look. Color blocking is in style this spring season, and many styles of color blocking are using either bold brights or sandy neutrals–or both for a fresh look.

Fresh Florals

Florals are an absolute spring classic! Florals are far from new, but they are feminine, whimsical, and flirty. Nothing lightens up a wardrobe quite like fun florals. Wearing florals can be casual and light or even dressed up for the office. This year, spring’s blooms come in prints, lace, appliques, and embroidery. If florals aren’t typically your style, try black florals for a more demure look. Edgy black florals are a glamorous way to add flowers to your wardrobe.

Beyond Beige

The season’s new neutrals come in a plethora of earthy shades in a spectrum that flirts with yellow, grey and brown. Neutrals are incredibly easy to work with, especially when adding to your wardrobe. Neutrals can be easily added to build a number of different outfits to choose from.

Think Pink

This spring delivers exciting shades of pink ranging from pale blush to hot fuchsia. Blush is one of the universally flattering colors because, regardless of your skin tone, blush flatters everyone! Wear your favorite shades of pink as solids, stripes, ombre, color blocks, and more. Spring has never looked so bright!

Neutral Ground

Black and white is a classic combination that always delivers. Go graphic this season with a myriad of ways to mix black and white. The elegant and dramatic opposite shades provide a canvas to add to. Black and white clothing comes in color blocks, stripes, solids, and even stunning python. Add a bright scarf or blazer to black and white to automatically upgrade the look.

Bright Lines

This season’s lines go beyond simple stripes, playing with texture and tones for modern twists on a classic. A new take on pinstripes is chic for the office and is a great way to add texture and something new to your wardrobe. Stripes are an easy way to make any outfit a little bolder.

Need A Fresh Spring Makeover?

I’m here to help! If you need a styling consultation to renew and refresh your wardrobe for spring or are in a dilemma with what to wear for a special occasion, it would be my pleasure to help you decipher what you need. Wardrobe styling and shopping when you aren’t sure what exactly you need can be overwhelming and frustrating, but I can take the confusion out of it.

If you’re ready to take your wardrobe to the next level, organize, fill–in, and revitalize your closet, give me a call! Or, get in touch here.

23Jan

How to Get More Enjoyment from Your Wardrobe

January 23, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Do you look at your wardrobe, shrug, and want to walk away? Are you uninspired? Do you wear the same basic uniform every day? Have you thought about calling it quits with fashion?

Everyone goes through slumps over their wardrobe. It often takes months, and sometimes even years, to realize we’re in a slump. That’s the bad news. The good news is that you can get out of that slump and have fun with clothes again!

Let me show you where I’m headed with this.

Clothing yourself is one thing – That is, simply, getting dressed.

Then there’s getting dressed with intention.

And then there’s getting dressed and leaving a pleasurable impression.

It’s your choice and there’s help available if you need it. (More about that later.)

We’ve all been left with pleasurable impressions by how someone looks. It could be a stranger in the grocery store, someone at work, a sales associate at a store, or someone in your book club. When you see them, your eyes want to linger and take in their look.

Perhaps her look is creative and clever, and it makes you smile. Maybe it’s a friend who consistently wears color in her outfits in ways you haven’t and it pleases you.

Let’s say you’re ready to leave the fashion slump and dress in a way that puts smiles on the faces of strangers. One strategy is to find something that’s already pleasing to you and then go for it with a little more gusto than you have so far.

Here are some ideas for you:

Leave a pleasurable impression with your use of color.

This could be as simple as introducing some pleasing colors into your wardrobe. Every fashion season there seems to be an emphasis on a few specific colors. One excellent color resource is Pantone, a company that does color forecasting. If you want inspiration, start there. Or simply go to
a retail store where you can pull items from the rack, walk over to a full-length mirror and hold them up to your face. Which colors make you happy? Choose a few colors to play within clothes, coats, shoes, handbags, or scarves.

Take the time to find the colors that flatter your skin tone, eyes, and hair color. It’s important that we wear colors that brighten and compliment us. Bringing the right colors into your life will inspire you and make you feel refreshed.

Leave a pleasurable impression by adding one more accessory.

Coco Chanel is famous for telling people to add accessories to their outfit, take a look in the mirror, take one thing off, and then step out into life. But Coco was an icon during a time when men and women dressed elegantly and much more formally. As people, in general, are looking more and more casual in their dress, this is a rule that typically no longer applies.

If you like rings, add one more to your fingers than you have. If you like bangles, create a cluster of them for your wrist. If you like finer, more delicate jewelry wear two or three necklaces at once. Make accessory additions to your outfit, not subtractions.

Leave a pleasurable impression by wearing one standout piece.

Even if your lifestyle is casual or your workplace is more relaxed, you can always walk out the door wearing one standout piece.

One way to picture this is to think about how you’d dress a table for dinner guests. You may use your everyday dishes and cutlery, but you have fresh flowers at the center of the table in your favorite vase. The centerpiece brings the eye in and then leads you to the other accents you’ve used. So think of the standout piece as being on par with the centerpiece of that dinner table.

Your choices are many. Let me suggest a few:

A blazer in a pattern when you’d have customarily worn them in solid colors.
Carrying an oversized handbag. The exaggerated shape draws someone in, and they desire to see the rest of the outfit.
Instead of wearing a black or tan trench coat, wear one in an icy tone or one in an autumnal shade.
Wear an oxford shoe in burgundy, blush, or blue and give your black or brown shoes a break.
Wear a bulkier scarf than usual. That little bit of extra volume adds drama.

Lastly, organizing your closet can make a big impact.

If your closet is filled with outdated clothing or is generally unorganized, it wouldn’t be surprising that you don’t feel inspired by it.

Get rid of anything that doesn’t make you feel fabulous and donate it. This includes your shoes and accessories. Organizing everything will make it so much easier to see what you already have and what you might need.

Make your wardrobe clearer by sorting it by color. This makes it easier to see what the possibilities are for creating a fun, exciting outfit.

It doesn’t take a lot of change to feel a big lift. Clothes and accessories are here to be enjoyed. When you wear them in a pleasing fashion, you are making someone else’s day brighter as well as your own.

I’d love to help you make some adjustments to your wardrobe, one’s you’ll find pleasing. It’s all possible! Give me a call or send me an email and we’ll get an appointment on the books. You’ll love the results!

08Jan

How to Build a Dream Wardrobe in 7 Easy Steps

January 8, 2019 Melrose Fisher

Building a wardrobe is a truly daunting task. How many of us can devote the time to create a flawless, versatile wardrobe that never leaves us wondering what to wear?

Most of us buy more and more clothing without consciously building a wardrobe that allows for easy access to outfits for every occasion. If we don’t build a functional wardrobe, then we are likely to end up with a closet filled with clothing to mix and match at random. Of course, it ends in wearing the same outfits repeatedly or obsessing over what to wear.

It’s worth it to create a wardrobe that suits your needs, but you may be wondering where to start. It takes some time and strategy to build a wardrobe, so how is it done?

Starting with your own personal wardrobe stylist; I can help you do each of the following steps in order to build a cohesive, varied wardrobe. The end result will be a wardrobe that suits your lifestyle, flatters your body, and expresses your personal style. Here’s the run-down of the steps to create a dream wardrobe easily and quickly.

Establish Your Body Type

You must know what body type you have before building a wardrobe. We are all unique in shape and size and knowing the types of clothing that suits your body type is crucial to looking flawless all of the time. Finding clothes that flatter your body can boost your confidence and ensure you have a closet full of clothes that make you feel great.

Determine Your Color Palette

Just like with body types, we all have a unique skin tone. Skin tones range from not only light to dark but also cool to warm. Knowing your skin tone is key to knowing which colors enhance your look and which colors don’t. Wearing colors that don’t compliment your skin tone can make you look tired, washed out, or simply not your best. Conversely, choosing the perfect colors for your skin tone can enrich your look automatically.

Shop to Fit Your Lifestyle

It’s important that the clothes in your closet suit your daily needs. We can easily buy clothing that is momentarily trendy on impulse, but does it really suit our lifestyle? For example, a wardrobe filled with 40% career-minded outfits, 30% clothing for social events and outings, 20% leisure, and 10% formal special event attire could be suited for your lifestyle.

Detox and De-Clutter

If you’re going to build a wardrobe you love, you will have to get rid of all of the items that you don’t love. Sort through your closet and remove any ill-fitting, unflattering, out of style clothing. Make room for pieces you’ll love and wear frequently.

Create a Foundation of Basics

Building a wardrobe around classic basics makes dressing simple. Choosing neutral-colored tank tops, black pants, pencil skirts, white button-ups, and cardigans are good basics to build from. Most of your outfits will begin with these basics, so having many on hand will create the foundation you need to build a wardrobe.

Add Statement Pieces

You’ll need to let your personal style shine with statement pieces in the colors and fabrics that you love. These statement pieces can be added to your wardrobe basics for easy pairings. Tailored investment pieces can be added here as well.

Maintain your Wardrobe

You’ll need to add to your wardrobe to keep things fresh. This will ensure you’ll always have something new to wear and new outfits to create. The easiest way to maintain your dream wardrobe is Box of Luxe, a time-saving home delivery box of 4-6 hand-selected pieces of clothing.

If you don’t have time to shop and maintain a wardrobe, this is the answer for you! It’s as easy as completing a quick style profile and your Box of Luxe will be delivered to you filled with pieces that suit your style needs. You’ll have five days to try on the clothing and if you decide something isn’t for you, simply return it hassle-free.

Another option is to schedule a consultation call or to meet me for a cup of coffee. In 30 minutes I can help you determine your wardrobe needs and guide you through the services provided by Lots of Luxe. A Personal Stylist could be your answer to a wardrobe that works.

30Oct

How-to: Beautifully Coordinate Your Makeup to Your Outfit

October 30, 2018 Melrose Fisher

No woman is born knowing how to wear makeup that perfectly complements her outfits. And believe me, there are rules for how it’s done.

Now, “rules” imply finite yes and no directions, but I use the term rules more as “guidelines” for how you can look your absolute best. They aren’t meant to be limiting, because every woman has the right to express herself the way she sees fit. However, these are the standard methods from industry professionals on how you can look perfectly stunning all of the time.

For these rules, I need to make a clear distinction between matching and complementing. Now, let me explain the delicate balance of each.

Matching implies picking out a bright blue eyeshadow to match your bold blue sweater. This is a DON’T.

Complementing means pairing a coral dress with a light sweep of coral blush onto your cheeks – simply pair a coordinating subtle shade of blush to your outfit. This is a DO.

Makeup is a fun way to express ourselves and to literally put our best face forward. Makeup can be bold! It can also be subtle. And, either way, each is perfectly appropriate if done right and paired with the right clothing. Let’s get into how it’s done.

Never, ever match your eyeshadow with the color of your outfit.

Rewind your thoughts to school year photos from the ’80s, each girl with her big hair and bold eyeshadow that perfectly matched her silk blouse. Eyeshadow, whether it’s a bold look or not, should never be matched with the color of your outfit.

Think green eyeshadow with a green shirt. Exactly. That’s a no-no.

Striking colors, color blocking, and patterns are fabulous choices for clothes, so if your outfit is adventurous, stick with neutral eyeshadow shades: brown, gold, beige, or soft pink.

If your outfit is neutral shades of black, brown, or gray, it’s perfectly okay to try a smoldering smoky eye, in brown, black, or plum shades.

Never match, but you can complement it. For example, wearing pink can be complemented with brownish-gold shades.

The bottom line:

Bold clothing: delicate eyeshadow shades

Neutral clothing: feel free to spice up your shadow

Distribute colors evenly.

Tip: While matching eyeshadow is a huge no-no, there are chic ways to match your lipstick and blush to your outfit.

Loud outfits and daring makeup are both fine, just not on the same day. So, let’s say you want to wear a bright red lipstick. Instead of pairing red lipstick with a red dress, pair it with a red bag or red shoes. See how different those two outfits are? You can pull off matching lipstick to a bold accessory, but not to an entire outfit.

You can match parts of your outfit to your lipstick while remaining polished and elegant. The trick is just to not go overboard.

If you’re wearing a t-shirt and jeans, you have more freedom to wear bold makeup colors. If your outfit is already loud, downplay your makeup.

Lastly, remember this essential tip…

It’s important to follow these tricks to look flawlessly put together, but the most important makeup rule is to find the shades that complement your unique skin tone and eye color.

03Oct

Here’s What’s on the Menu for Fall Fashion

October 3, 2018 Melrose Fisher

Are you ready to try some new things from the fall/winter fashion offerings? Whether you sample one item or several, there are some tantalizing treats to choose from. Here’s a sample menu of what’s available to you.

1. I want to draw your attention to the different shades of green. Are there fifty shades? I want to say yes! Whether you like your greens light, dark, deep, intense or muted, this is the right time to explore your options. Green is not just for garnish anymore. It can be the main course of an outfit.

2. For people who’ve been wondering where brown went, it’s back! It comes in all shades of chocolate and on into burnt caramel. Time to stock your shoe and handbag shelves with this rich color or choose a few separates to blend into your existing wardrobe.

3. Velvet has been spanning the seasons. People even wore velvet this past spring/summer. It seems best for cooler weather. Look for it this season in dresses, blouses, and jackets.

4. Prairie dresses look romantic and innocent with high necklines, roomie sleeves, and a floor-length hemline. This is a great option for those looking for something new in the dress department.

5. Floral prints just keep coming. Plan to wear floral print dresses with dark backgrounds. They’re great paired with a colored tight and a boot.

6. There’s an array of plaids just waiting for you to enjoy. Classic plaids of different colorations are being combined in the same outfit. For instance, you can wear a blue plaid pant with a red plaid jacket. Or wear red plaid boots with a blue plaid dress. It may sound less than appetizing but you won’t know until you try it!

7. Don’t know what scarf to wear with your outfit? It’s an easy decision this season. Designers are creating matching sweater and scarf sets. And if you’re just going for the scarf alone, make it long, long, long, like spaghetti-noodle long.

8. Cable knit, smooth knit, or textured knit sweaters all have something in common, they are voluminous and cozy. Make your knits jumbo size this year.

9. Mixing day and nightwear for both day and night keeps us on our toes. This can be a little confusing but if done right, it makes a lot of sense. Wear dressy tops with casual bottoms or dressy bottoms with casual tops and go out on the town.

10. Pants of any length or width are available. Wide, pleat front, flairs, cigarette, printed pants, and painted pants. If you wear pants well, get ready for a smorgasbord.

11. Skirts shimmy up and down the leg. Enjoy a mini, a pencil skirt, something calf-length, or go for the 50’s full skirt. For an easy garnish, add a thick belt to the waist.

12. Train your eye to see sized up jackets as the new normal. Many of them have broad shoulders. Hello, ‘80s! Get used to this new silhouette, it might be here for a while.

13. Blankets are now acceptable as fashion outerwear. It’s a no-size piece of outerwear that covers all. Whether it’s a western print or a solid color, this can beautifully drape over everything and be the centerpiece for your entire outfit.

14. Bring color to your fashion plate outfits with red lipsticks. Red lips go with everything!

Are you salivating over any of these fall/winter fashion picks? Pick your preferences from the fashion menu and let’s have fun exploring them together on a shopping trip. Give me a call. I’ll bring snacks.

25Sep

The Fall Color Trend Report

September 25, 2018 Melrose Fisher

The fall and winter colors have graced the runways and tried and true fall colors have returned but so have some shocking hues. This fall is about more than the typical neutrals, browns, and olives that we expect. While those are always go–to autumnal colors, we can add in some of the far–from–usual trending colors like bright fuchsia, nebulas blue, and intense violet.

Almond Buff

An understated camel hue that is just a few shades lighter and more delicate, almond buff is the perfect soft neutral for the fall. Almond buff is a rich, classic autumn color that adds warmth to a fall wardrobe. Instead of gray or white, add almond buff as a neutral to any outfit for a dreamy, delicate palette.

Soft Gray

Soft Gray is a subtle touch of gray that is incredibly chic and versatile. Gray as a neutral is great for pairing with bright colors or rich black for contrast. Accent gray with a brightly colored belt or shoes. This season, sunny yellow and russet orange are in for the fall, so adding a touch of color to brighten up soft gray is a great option.

Merlot

Deep burgundies, intense oxblood, and wine hues are autumn favorites and are trending this fall. Wine colors can be paired nicely with camel or almond buff, or even with rich navy blue. Merlot can look very eloquent and even romantic. Deep red is an easy color to find in nearly any kind of clothing this year, from stately burgundy trench coats to lacy satin dresses.

Vibrant Blues and Violets

The usual fall colors include the earthy tones of nature; red, orange, olive, tan, brown. However, the cooler shades of the color wheel are huge this fall. Several blues are making a big debut for the fall from the sophisticated navy, to sea blue, to vibrant nebulas blue. Usually, purple tones for the fall have hints of red to add warmth, but this fall they are going the opposite way. Intense, blue-violet and lavender with a hint of blue are both top trends.

Fuchsia

While this is not what we’d expect for the fall season, pink has been favored by fashion designers this year. From hot pink to mellow dusty pink and various shades in between, pink remains suitable for the fall. If you are a bit apprehensive about too much fall pink, then just add pops of pink to black or gray to tone it down but still rock the trend.

Whiskey Brown

Another warm autumn neutral that can be paired with so many colors, whiskey brown is a perfect addition to your wardrobe this fall. Whiskey brown, warm and caramel–colored, is flattering and elegant for all occasions.

19Sep

How to Easily Transition Your Wardrobe from Summer to Fall

September 19, 2018 Melrose Fisher

As one season comes to a close and we embrace another, we experience that in-between weather and dressing for the day can be a bit of a challenge. It’s too hot to wear fall attire and chilly mornings and evenings make it too cold for summer clothes. The best way to combat the awkward uncertainty of the seasons changing is to prepare your closet for a smooth transition into autumn with these tips.

Don’t put away your maxi dresses yet

Maxi dresses are great for the season change because they offer enough fabric to keep you covered if it gets a little chilly and during the day you’ll be cool enough. A shawl or cardigan will work to cover your arms if needed.

Just add tights to summer dresses and skirts

You can keep your summer dresses in your closet for a couple more months, as long as you pair them with some fall accessories. Autumn is perfect for tights, especially cable-knit and textured tights. They are cozy enough to keep you warm if you aren’t quite ready to wear heavy pants yet. Leggings are another great option too. If you still want to wear some of your summery tunics, wear them with a pair of leggings.

Layering was made for autumn weather

Layering is your best friend during the unpredictable fall weather transition. Leave home in the chilly morning hours and by noon, it feels like summer again. You can keep out your summer tank tops and pair them with light sweaters or boyfriend cardigans. Scarves are also a perfect option for layering. Be sure to add no more than three layers, e.g. tank top, cardigan, and scarf. And if you go heavy on top, wear slim fitting bottoms to balance out the look. You still want to keep layers long and lean and not too bulky, so avoid layering while wearing wide-leg pants.

Add rich fall colors and textures

Adding a few pieces of fall clothing to your summer wardrobe is a good way to ease into the next season. You can still wear summer colors but just add a few fall touches. Imagine pairing lavender with plum, sky blue with navy blue, and light yellow with mustard. You can add deeper autumn colors to complement your summer wardrobe with sweaters, scarves, and jackets.

Add a statement jacket and boots

Perhaps the easiest way to transition any outfit to fall is to add a military-style jacket, a trench coat, or moto jacket. A fall jacket can tone down an outfit and make it more suitable for autumn. Autumn is boot season! Adding boots to an outfit also adds some autumn vibes. Boots can be worn with most outfits too; wear boots with leggings, jeans, dresses, etc.

Looking to Transition?

Need some inspiration for transitioning your wardrobe? Check out some of Etcetera and Carlisle transition pieces, they may just be perfect for you. If your looking for some extra help you can alway contact us!

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