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24Jan

Animal Instincts

January 24, 2018 Melrose Fisher Fashion, Uncategorized

If you viewed any of the fashion coming down the runways for Spring/Summer 2018, you might have noticed quite a bit of snakeskin. It showed up in so many fun and interesting ways as you can see here; be sure to notice the handbags and shoes.

One of the many things I love about CARLISLE is how our design team takes runway trends and creates such luxurious, sophisticated and wearable pieces.

Take a look:

SAFARI #305626 | PENCIL SKIRT #314626 | SHORT SLEEVED COTTON BLOUSE #302626

A Hint of Snakeskin

An elegant set, perfect for layering – The SAFARI blouse, skirt, and trench makes a stately and stylish combination. Think about these pieces as separates and the number of outfits you can create. Dressing with separates gives your wardrobe loads of versatility.

Button Down Cardigan #110724 | Shell #110725

Serpentine Jacquard

A snakeskin print matched with a luxurious knit makes an unexpectedly elegant pair in the AIKO set. This set can be worn together or separately and it’s perfect for those too cold, too warm conditions of the office.


Blue Python

Drama and polish meet with an update to the classic leather jacket – the SNAKESKIN features embossed printed snake leather. Again we see the luxury in the details. The fun thing about this jacket is you can dress it up and dress it down, it works for the office and the weekend. This is truly an investment piece.

Sophisticated Snakeskin

The SLITHER dress boasts modern details on a classic silhouette – it’s elegant yet contemporary.


ORGANZA #505760

Pretty in Python

Pretty in python, the ORGANZA anorak has a feminine-meets-sporty style thanks to snake-printed organza.

You know from years past that snake print finds its way into fashion season after season so do not worry about this trend being too trendy! It’s a trend that seems to be always in style!

 

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17Jan

HOW TO CLEAN AND CARE FOR YOUR LEATHER BOOTS IN WINTER

January 17, 2018 Melrose Fisher Fashion, Style Tips

FASHION, STYLE

BY LAURA GUMMERMAN

As someone who has never, ever said, “Hooray, it’s winter!” I have to say that one of the only redeeming qualities of the season are a few of the wearable categories appropriate for this time of year. Boots happen to be pretty high on that list for me, and I always want to take the best care of my boots to prolong their wearability. Whether your issue is salt stains from harsh winter conditions or just your average amount of dirt from muddy puddles, cleaning and protecting your leather boots is a way to ensure they will be around (and in good condition) from one season to the next. Here’s what you’ll want to keep in mind when it comes to leather boot care:

 

  1. Cleaning – Whether you have a salt ring, dried cracks of salt around the bottom of your boot, or just dirty marks from day to day living, your first step is to clean your boots of all debris. For salt stains, use a soft cloth and mix of white vinegar and water (equal parts) to remove the stains. Allow the boot to dry, and buff with a soft cloth when finished. Try to remove salt stains as soon as they happen, and if you can get to them before they dry, a quick wipe with a damp cloth should do the trick. For general dirt, use a saddle soap that will also help condition and waterproof your boot. Wipe off dirt with a damp rag, rub the wet rag into the saddle soap to create a lather, rub the soap into the boot, and wipe off the lather with a damp cloth after a few minutes. If you feel like there’s too much saddle soap on your boots, you can always add a little more water to create more lather.

2. Erase scuffs.You have all you need to erase scuffs in your pantry closet! Just dab a soft cloth into the water, then into baking soda, and rub the scuffs gently until they disappear. Wipe the boot clean and allow the boot to dry before giving it a final buff.

3. Prevent future damage.Always try to give your boots a proper protective barrier at the beginning and end of each season (and in between too after any cleanings). Spray clean, dry boots with a waterproofing spray to prevent salt stains before they start. It’s a good idea to line all your boots up at once and do them all in one sitting.

4. Storing. Any time you are letting boots dry out (either from cleaning or wet conditions outside), leave the boots in a warm area but not a spot that is directly next to heat (like next to a radiator). If the heat is too harsh, it can make the leather more brittle and create cracks later on. Don’t store leather boots in plastic bags as the leather needs to breathe and a lack of air can cause the boot to dry out or even mold. If you don’t leave your boots out year-round, choose a box with a loose lid or a fabric bag for storage instead. And before you store your boots, make sure they are clean and dry, so you don’t have salt eating away at the leather for months during the offseason.

 

But what if I have suede boots? OK, suede boots are a totally different thing, and you can’t clean them the same way you would with smooth leather or you risk losing the suede quality and texture. Instead of getting the boot wet to spot clean, rub off dirt with a kneaded eraser or grab an emery board from your makeup drawer and sand off any marks. If those actions flatten the suede too much, you can bring the texture back by scrubbing the area with a clean toothbrush or terry cloth towel. For more heavy-duty matted stains, hold the boot over the steam from a steaming teakettle for a few moments, and then brush against the grain of the suede to loosen the dirt (and make a cup of tea since the water’s ready!).

Test your product first! No matter what kind of boots you have or what product you are using, make sure to test a small area of the boot first when using a product. You can also check with the boot manufacturer to see what items they recommend for cleaning and care of certain boots.

So remember, try and wipe off any dirt or salt soon after it makes contact with your boot to cut down on the amount of time you’ll spend cleaning them later. Taking care of your leather boots properly will not only allow you to keep them around longer, but they will look better over their lifetime too. Now get out there and give your boots the care they deserve!

Credits // Author and Photography: Laura Gummerman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions.

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30Nov

Bet on Velvet this Season

November 30, 2017 Melrose Fisher Fashion

When in doubt as to what to wear this holiday season, bet on velvet. Velvet is one of winter 2017’s hot trends, but velvet is not trendy. I don’t know about you, but I love to wear velvet during the holiday season. Holiday fashion and velvet just belong together.

Below are some velvet pieces in our current Carlisle and ETCETERA collections that you can BET will be a hit at any function you attend this season.

See how versatile velvet can be, taking you from a neighborhood tree-trimming party to a formal New Year’s Eve event.

Don’t stress this upcoming yuletide season. We are here to help you answer the question, “what do I wear.”  It just might be that velvet is the answer.  Do you want to bet on velvet?

Which velvet piece(s) below, answers your question of “what to wear?”  Contact us and let us know.  We can have it on your body within 36-48 hours if available.

From Carlisle | Per Se

TEMPTATION Velvet tuxedo jacket & pant – wear together for more formal, dressier occasion or as separates with a casual pant/jean or top to dress each piece down or pair the velvet jacket with a basic black skirt for an office party.

Carlisle TEMPTATION Velvet Jacket
Carlisle TEMPTATION Velvet Pant

Other velvet pieces from the Carlisle Collection.

RUCHES TOP

CRUSHED– Black velvet joggers

A great pant to dress up or down. Pair with RUSHED or IRON for a more casual outfit.

NARRATIVE JACKET
CRUSHED JOGGER
IRON KNOT TOP

TABATHA – A WOW piece!  Jumpsuit with blue velvet top can be worn to a formal event with a fur jacket or silk/fur scarf or dressed down when paired with the BERLIN Velvet Coat

TABATHA

BERLIN

FITZGERALD Coat & Pant – Limited Availability

FABERGE – Midnight Blue Shift Dress
Perfect for Black-Tie Option or Formal

From our ETCETERA Collections

Pair either of these velvet jackets with a skirt or pant to make it your “go-to” pairing for that “festive” party.

NINJA Velvet Reversible Jacket 
HAMILTON
Sapphire Blue Jacket

CAPPUCCINO Blush Velveteen Pant
BLOSSOMS Blouse

Pair the Blossom Blouse with the Cappuccino pants for a casual party

Live stress-free this holiday season by letting the Stylists at Lots of Luxe outfit you for all of your festive parties on your holiday calendar.

Melrose

 

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16Nov

A New Twist on Traditional Holiday Colors

November 16, 2017 Melrose Fisher Color, Fashion, Style Tips

Melrose W. Fisher

It’s that time of year again where everything we see seems to be blinking red, green, gold or silver especially when we go to holiday parties. The holiday season is the time everyone pulls out their favorite red sweater or jacket with gold metallic threads running through it or that Christmas green cashmere sweater with their red, green, and white reindeer motif scarf. You know what I’m talking about. They even have parties called the “Ugliest Christmas Sweater” party.

Dare to be different this festive time of year and dress in a variation of the traditional holiday colors. Below are examples from our Carlisle | Per Se and ETCETERA collections that will make you stand out -in a positive way- at all the holiday parties and events you’ll be attending this season. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day and beyond.

Each of these pieces can be dressed up or down depending on the dress code of your party. Have fun and look stunning all at the same time.

Instead of the traditional ‘Holly Green’ or ‘Christmas Green,’ try these colors: PINE, MIST, TEAL, or TOURMALINE for a change. Switch out the tops for entirely different outfits and looks; taking you from casual to festive.

CARLISLE – Fitzgerald Velvet Topper & Pants
CARLISLE – Seafoam Silk Blouse

ETCETERA – Minty Knit Cardigan
ETCETERA – Sprig Knit Sweater

CARLISLE – Andromeda Blouse
ETCETERA – Whitney Knit Top

CARLISLE – Andromeda Knife Pleated Skirt
CARLISLE – Andromeda Skirt & Cami
CARLISLE – Satin Cami

Think MAGENTA, AUBERGINE, BURGUNDY this season instead of “Poinsettia Red.” Much more sophisticated, chic, and on trend.

CARLISLE – Mums Blouse
CARLISLE – Trouser – Magenta

Once again, take the basic pant or skirt and change out the tops to take you from day to evening during the holidays.

CARLISLE – Lady Lace Blouse
CARLISLE – Damson Jacket

ETCETERA – Grappa Skirt
ETCETERA – Sorrento Sweater

Blues are fabulous colors to wear during this time of year. Especially SAPPHIRE when made in velvets and satins.

ETCETERA – Ensemble Vest and Tuxedo Pants
ETCETERA – Hamilton Velvet Jacket
ETCETERA – Voltage Dress

CARLISLE – Delicate Lace and Netting Blouse
CARLISLE – Palazzo Pants

 

CARLISLE – Stone Velveteen Jeans
ETCETERA – Opaque Blouse

To see more “Twist on Traditional Colors” for this Season, visit our Carlisle and ETCETERA websites.  You’ll find lovely dresses, traditional black & whites along with gorgeous gold & silver pieces. Lots and lots of sparkles to make your holiday merry and bright.

If you are in a dilemma as to what to wear where, or say you have a great bottom but need help finding just the right top, click on your personal stylist’s name below.  She’ll be more than happy to help. If you don’t have a Lots of Luxe personal stylist, contact me, and we’ll connect you with one. We’re here to make your holidays stress-free.

Melrose Fisher  |  Lissa Jensen  |  Mary Allen  |  Lyell Wright  |  Anne Zollicoffer  |  Lucy Falk

Happy Holidays to All!

Melrose

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26Oct

Look Great in Your Clothes

October 26, 2017 Melrose Fisher Fashion, Style Tips

Have you ever thought that someone just always looks great in everything they wear, or it seems that way? And on the reverse that some people, no matter what they wear always seem to look a little messy as if their clothes don’t fit or they just don’t wear that outfit or suit well?

To look great in your clothes they need to fit properly. At Lots of Luxe, we believe that our clients deserve a perfect fit. An ideal fit is why I always encourage our clients to make “fit appointments,” to try their purchases on with a tailor present to ensure that every garment fits their body correctly, so they look nothing less than stunning.

While a “fit appointment” ensures that the garment looks almost custom made for your body what you wear under those clothes is just as important and sometimes more so. The proper foundation pieces like a good fitting bra and properly worn shapewear can mean the difference between unsightly sagging and exceptional support and a better fitting garment.

When shopping from the Carlisle and ETCETERA collections with Lots of Luxe, we ensure your clothing purchases fit your body type, and always provide you with the opportunity to see our tailor for that perfect fit. When the concern is your foundation garments, we have you covered there with one of the most comfortable lines of shapewear, Ruby Ribbon.

When doing a bit of research for the blog post this week, I came across Style Expert Bridgette Raes’s post entitled “Fit and Foundation Garments Matter.” It’s worth your time to read, I just love her sassy humor on the issue and know you will too.

Click here to read her post.

Remember, we have a tailor in the Studio every week. If you have clothes in your closet that do not fit well, give your Stylist a call to make an appointment with her and our tailor. You are welcome to bring any pieces; they do not have to be from Carlisle or Etcetera. We’re here to make dressing easy, and this will only happen when everything in your wardrobe fits and fits well.

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13Oct

FIVE OF THE BIGGEST FASHION MISTAKES

October 13, 2017 Melrose Fisher Fashion, Style Tips

We’ve talked about fashion mistakes in the past and yet I’m always so amazed at how we’re still making the same mistakes time and again. Therefore, I think it’s a great idea to review this fashion topic again. To do this, I’m going to defer to Deborah Boland from FabulousAfter40.com. In this post, you’ll discover what Deborah believes to be the Top Five Massive Mistakes that women make and a solution for each. What I love about this presentation from Deborah are the SOLUTIONS; no one needs to hear about a problem without a solution.

MASSIVE FASHION MISTAKE # 1

Wearing Big, Baggy Clothes

Okay, so you don’t have the body you used to have. That’s natural. You’ve gained some weight, and it’s harder than heck to shed those extra pounds with all the crazy midlife hormones kicking in. You feel heavier than you want to at the moment, and sure that’s annoying, but hiding your body under big, loose, baggy clothing will only make things worse.

You know what I’m talking about, right? Maybe you’re not guilty of dressing like a giant blanket 24/7, but we’ve all had those days when we’re so fed up with our changing shape that we throw our hands up in the air, reach into our closet to grab the nearest sloppy sweatshirt or baggy t-shirt, and pull on a pair of oversized track pants or baggy jeans.

We schlep around the house like a frump figuring, no one will see us. Then we realize we need to run out for a few groceries, but can’t be bothered changing or putting on make-up. No one will see us, right?

But they do, and how embarrassing that is!! When you run into someone, and you look a sloppy mess, the message you are communicating is, “I’ve given up on myself.”

And yes, let’s be honest, you have, and this obvious lack attention to your appearance does make you look old, frumpy and fat!

The worst part is you feel it. You’ve let yourself down, and that’s depressing.

Trying to hide out from the world in your big, baggy, “frump uniform” is not the answer. Instead of camouflaging the problem, you are actually accentuating it by making yourself look bigger than you really are. If you want to look Fabulous after 40, 50, 60 and beyond then you must pay attention to the fit of your clothing.

The Solution:

Instead of walking around wearing a tent, you need to accept your body the way it is at this moment and give yourself a break. Glam Gal, we’re all feeling the changes, and you can’t let extra pounds rob you of ever looking fab again!

The weight, you can work on slowly, comfortably over time. Meanwhile, you need to get out to the stores and buy some clothes that will showcase your body at its best. Regardless of the size of your waist hips, bust and thighs, you can look slimmer by wearing clothes that flatter the figure you have. When you wear fitted clothes, you look slimmer and leaner.

Now, notice I’m not saying wear tighter clothing. I’m saying wear more fitted clothing. There’s a big difference. I’m talking about tops, and dresses that skim your body and follow your natural silhouette, shirts with darts, jackets that nip in at the waist and clothing with some stretch and shape. Pants (which are always tricky) need to fit well in the waist and fall straight down from your hips for the most flattering look.

Buying clothes that fit well will feel odd at first because you are so used to wearing oversized garb. However, give it a few days, and you’ll feel totally comfy, especially when the compliments come rolling in. If you find some clothes that fit better, but they still aren’t perfect, don’t hesitate to visit a seamstress. Men use tailors all the time to get the perfect fit, why shouldn’t you Glam Gal? So, goodbye baggy, hello slim and fitted, and hello Age-Amazing™!

Massive Fashion Mistake #2

Not Wearing Your Wow Colors

Who doesn’t love black? It’s chic and sexy; it makes you look thin, and you can wear it anywhere. But when it comes to looking Fabulous after 40, are you stuck in a “black” hole?

You could be! Abundant Black Disorder (ABD) is a common wardrobe dysfunction that fashionistas rarely speak about. It can occur anytime in a woman’s life, but usually, peaks at midlife. The symptoms: a closet full of black clothing and accessories, the irresistible urge to “buy it in black,” no matter what other colors it comes in, and the feeling of being too fat or too visible if you wear anything other than black, black, black.

Unfortunately, women with ABD fail to realize that an abundance of black seriously cramps your style, and after 40, makes you look old. How? Black is a strong color that absorbs light. It is notorious for draining the color from fragile, aging skin and hair. Worn close to a mature face, black often looks harsh, emphasizing every wrinkle line and dark shadow. Black also hides your fabulous 40+ personality, while constantly dressing in black signals, “I’m old. Don’t notice me.” That’s sad!

How can you cure ABD so you can start looking and feeling more vibrant and youthful? If you are serious about perking up your looks and livening up your soul, then promise yourself to stop buying black, no matter what, and start adding color into your current colorless wardrobe.

The Solution:

Going from mucho black (or dark, dreary shades) to an endless rainbow of colors can be scary because wearing color takes confidence. The easiest way to get comfortable with color is to start peppering in a dash here or there to your existing wardrobe. For example, try a fuchsia silk blouse with an elegant black pencil skirt. Cobalt blue shoes or a stylish red bag will make a dark suit pop, and bright, festive costume jewelry against a simple black neckline will perk up your face and make you appear more energetic and youthful.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to discover your personal “wow” colors. We all have certain shades that are more flattering on us than others, depending on our skin tone, hair, and eye color. This is the basis of color analysis. The key to looking fabulous at any age is to pinpoint your “wow” colors and make them the anchor of your personal style.

Why is this important? Wearing the wrong colors, particularly up by your face, will highlight dark circles and shadows, make your skin look pale and pasty, make your eyes and hair look dull, and make your jawline look loose and jowly. The wrong colors will make you look tired and old.

Wearing the right colors will make your skin look smooth, evenly toned and bright, it will make your eyes sparkle and your hair look shiny, plus, your jawline will look firmer and stronger, giving you a fresher and more youthful look.

Fashion Mistake # 3

Dressing Like a Trendy Teenager

Your teenage daughter looks cute and hip, and ready to have lots of fun. Boy, do you miss that carefree feeling and want it back, and that’s where the problem begins. You decide to borrow one of her trendy style ideas, or maybe even a funky piece of clothing from her closet. Before you know it, you wind up shopping in the junior’s department or at some discount teen chain store buying the most ridiculous outfits! Glam Gal, stop right there!

Cute and trendy is not how a grown-up woman wants to look. Do you really want to be seen as that middle-aged mom who thinks she looks totally cool, but in reality looks like she is dressed for Halloween as the latest teenage pop star? No wonder your 16-year-old says she is embarrassed!

Shredded faded jeans, neon pink minis, clunky furry clogs, tiny designer logo bags, and enormous dangly earrings or anything bubblegum pink is not the way to go. Your teen is experimenting with whatever comes along, and that’s all part of being young and finding yourself. But, as a grown woman, buying into the all the hot new trends will make you look tacky, old and desperate. If you want to be Fabulous after 40, you have to stop being a kid in a candy store and show some restraint.

The Solution:

There’s nothing wrong with staying on top of the latest looks. Incorporating new trends into your wardrobe is what keeps you looking fashionable and modern. But, the key to doing it right is to be selective about what trends you incorporate and to incorporate them subtly.

Being selective means take a good hard look at what the fashion world is currently offering and only incorporating trends that genuinely enhance your body at this stage of the game, and that don’t look teenage silly, otherwise, you will look like you are wearing a costume.

For example, let’s say that the following trends were currently in: stripes, metalllis purple, lime green and orange, lace details, 5″ platforms, jumpsuits, metal chokers, skirts with jagged edges.

A teenager might wear several of these trends together, or a couple combined in an exaggerated, or oversized way – partly to look like she is in style, partly for shock effect.

We need to weed out what we like, what suits our body now, as compared to 30 years ago, and what we might wear in a more refined, more sophisticated way.

A striped lime green jumpsuit worn with a two-inch metallic choker and 5-inch platforms may look darling on your daughter, or on a skinny young magazine model. But a more subtle way of interpreting the trends for you may be to opt for a lime green top, with white pants and 3” metallic sandals. Still on trend, but less loud and brash – much chicer. In other words, you are wearing the trend the trend is not wearing you! That’s the secret to looking Fabulous, not foolish, after 40!

Massive Fashion Mistake # 4

Dressing Too Sexy

This is a mistake that often goes hand-in-hand with dressing like a trendy teenager. We’re talking about women over 40 who want to tell the world how sexy they still are and end up looking, as the British say, “mutton dressed as a lamb.” Ouch…now that’s humiliating.

Too short, too tight, too much cleavage, too much belly, too much skin, too much information…Please enough already! Now I’m far from being a prude, and I celebrate looking sexy after 40, but some women just seem to be blind when it comes to knowing how to do this tastefully.

Maybe it’s their fear of losing male attention, or perhaps they’ve had some “work done” and be darned if they aren’t going to show it off. Whatever the case, baring it all over 40 won’t make you look younger. It will make you look hard, old, and trashy – a woman you’d feel a little sorry for if you met her.

You see, being sexy isn’t about walking around in 5-inch stilettos and letting it all hangout. It’s about confidence – not feeling like you have to compete with some nubile young 20-something by trying to dress sexier than her. Looking sexy after 40 is about mystery, maturity, and moderation.

The Solution:

While baring some skin is sexy, the trick is to not show everything off at once. Stick to one area at a time to look alluring and classy. For example: If you reveal some cleavage, don’t show off a lot of leg. (And please, no mini’s that are mid-thigh or higher, ever.) It’s a balancing act to look sexy, not sleazy.

Sexy also doesn’t mean skintight. It’s just the opposite. Skintight makes you look bigger than you are – like a stuffed sausage! The sexiest fit gently hugs, not squeezes the body. Head to toe tight is always tacky. If you are going more fitted on the bottom, you need to aim for something looser or more flowing on top, for example.

Finally, looking sexy is about softness and touch ability which can be achieved through the fabric. Any piece of clothing in a soft “feel me” fabric like cashmere, velvet, silk, or faux fur creates a magnetic attraction.

Some prints like animal prints also have a sexy edge, but a little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it or you’ll risk looking like the cliché cougar lady, on the prowl and clinging to her youth.

Remember, when it comes to looking sexy after 40, 50, 60 or beyond, less is always more.

Massive Fashion Mistake # 5

Outdated Hair and Make-up

You might have a closet full of clothes in all the right colors that are stylish, modern and age-appropriate, but if you get dressed in the morning, look in the mirror and still see your grandmother, you can blame it on your hair and make-up.

Nothing ages a woman more than a passé hairstyle and outdated makeup.

You know your hair is stuck in a time warp if it is: too perfectly coiffed and as stiff as a bird’s nest, so long and shapeless that it hangs down like droopy dog ears, flat and dull as dishwater, or if colored, looks like a solid red, brown or blonde Lego block. You also know your hair is outdated if no one ever compliments you on your hair – ever.

Outdated make-up is even more obvious: over-tweezed brows, thick dark eyeliner that makes you look like Liz Taylor in Cleopatra, heavy contoured cheekbones, blue shiny eyeshadow, frosty everything, visible traced on lip liner, mud brown or mauve lips that make you look like you have one foot in the grave…get the picture?

To look Fabulous after 40 you need to be honest about your current hairstyle and make-up.

The Solution:

You might think the solution to an outdated hairstyle is to simply run out and get the latest cut, but I caution you on this. I’ve found many women who cut their hair on impulse wind up back at square one after only a couple of days, styling their new hairdo the way they used to wear it? (Sound familiar?)

As a friend of mine always says when it comes to looking fab, “It’s all about the hair.” As women, we’re very sensitive about making any changes, however slight, to this very personal feminine accessory. So, it’s crucial to take your time and put yourself in the right mindset first.

Flip through magazines, study hairstyles. Have a friend take your picture so you can actually see yourself the way others see you. Once you are convinced you need an update, don’t turn back. Modern hair, no matter what the length you decide on, needs some layering so that it moves (yes, your hair needs to blow in the wind). It also needs to be soft and shiny and, if colored, should be slightly multi-dimensional.

Warmer tones always flatter our skin more as we age and going lighter one shade never hurts either to soften things up.

Your make-up should follow suit. Less harsh, more natural is the goal. Aim for plenty of concealer, minimal foundation, a little blush, pinkish or peachy toned lips, a neutral eye, and mascara. You may want to add a few lashes to fill things in, but go for individual ones – not strip lashes. Gently touch up your fading brows to frame the eyes and make you look fresh and youthful.

Hanging onto outdated hair and make-up is like looking at an old photograph. It may have been a wonderful moment in time, but it will never be that way again. Time marches on, and if your hair and makeup don’t change with the times, you are going to look physically and mentally frozen in the past.

Deborah makes it super easy for us with this quick reference. Print it out and keep it in your closet. Put a copy in your wallet to so you can reference when shopping.

Remember, we’re right around the corner and always here to help you get dressed and to feel comfortable doing it every day. We can help with the wardrobe selection, the closet makeover or the special event dressing. Check us out here and get in touch.

 

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17Aug

Building a Wardrobe Instead of Filling a Closet

August 17, 2017 Melrose Fisher Fashion

By Lori Lambert

Lori Lambert, an ETCETERA Stylist explains in this article exactly how to build a wardrobe versus filling your closet with impulse buys and “never-to-wear” items. As Stylists, we’re trained to help you create a wearable and versatile wardrobe. After reading this post, give us a call and make that appointment to start building your wardrobe if you haven’t already. We’re here to help YOU!

A working closet and wardrobe starts with the right foundation. How do you build a wardrobe? First and foremost – not everyone’s wardrobe will have the same foundation pieces. You must build yours based on your lifestyle and body type.

Some examples of a breakdown of clothing pieces for your wardrobe could be:

For the Working Women:
50% Work Basics
40% Casual Basics
10% Dressy/Evening Pieces

For the Social Butterfly:
40% Dressy/Evening Pieces
40% Casual Basics
20% Professional Basics

For the Stay at Home Gal:
70% Casual Basics
20% Dressy/Evening Pieces
10% Special Occasion Pieces

There are, however, essential pieces that you can incorporate into every wardrobe.

Starting to Build Your Wardrobe:

Start with the basics. How to tell if it’s a basic piece? Here are a few helpful hints.

  • A piece that you can wear over and over
  • Something that goes with many of the pieces you already own or will buy
  • A piece that you cannot live without
  • One that helps tie your wardrobe together
  • A piece that is of high quality and will last

With this in mind, there are agreed upon basics that all women should have in their closet. These are as follows – and etcetera gives you classics with an edge!

  • A White Button Down Blouse
  • Several Good Quality T-Shirts
  • A Silk Blouse (or two)
  • A Good Quality Sweater
  • A Black Dress (or similar alternative)
  • A Leather Jacket
  • A Trench Coat
  • A Seasonal Coat
  • Skinny/Boyfriend Jeans
  • Accessories to Complete the Look

To see examples of the Basics from the ETCETERA Fall Collection download the PDF here.

Continuing to Build Your Wardrobe

By skipping impulse purchases and limiting your shopping to four times a year, you will be able to add several pieces to your wardrobe per season. You should shop for your body type and focus on finding those pieces that have the most flattering fit while making sure those pieces you do buy are versatile. Will they work from office to evening, maybe with the addition of a jacket? Can you add a great topper to those casual pants to attend an evening event? Finally, don’t forget to accessorize to complete the look of every outfit.

As a Stylist, it is our job to help a client create a wardrobe complete with basics and pieces that will both stand alone and complement those items that you already have in your closet. The Etcetera Collections make that a fun and easy endeavor. Our designers create clothing with just that goal in mind, and they create pieces to work with past, present, and future collections. In this way, we keep our clients on trend without being too “trendy,” so that their selections and their wardrobe will stand the test of time and be relevant for years to come.

Start building your wardrobe and get the most out of your closet!

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18May

Party Dress Codes for the Summer

May 18, 2017 Melrose Fisher Fashion

By Melrose W. Fisher
May 18, 2017

What will you be wearing to your summer events this season? Will you be dressed appropriately? Nowadays, the rule is “there is no rule.” I tend to agree to some degree with that phrase, but personally, my mother is still sitting right here on my right shoulder saying “a 12noon wedding is a ‘high noon’ wedding and is formal. Any wedding after 5 pm is a formal wedding with 8 pm wedding being the most formal or black-tie.” As we all know, that was when everyone got married in a church, and there weren’t destination weddings, beach weddings and invitations with dress codes described as “dressy casual,” “festive” and the like.

Dresses are popular choices for most any “festive” or “formal” event these days. Most people view dresses as a statement piece that implies…this is a fancy occasion. Depending on if the event is “black-tie” or “cocktail” may determine the length of the dress. Dresses tend to bring out the feminist in a lady. One tends to walk a bit more gracefully and carry themselves a little differently when they wear a dress. Maybe slightly more sophisticated, chicer, more refined. Do you agree?

My opinion is that a dress limits one in how many ways you can wear it; therefore, not giving you as much bang for your bucks as separates do.

In the Carlisle and ETCETERA spring summer collections, we have great outfits for every occasion you may be attending during the summer no matter the level of formality. If you’re in a bind about what’s appropriate to wear to an event, give one of us a call and we can help you. We can take that burden off your shoulders.

Below are some event examples and outfit ideas from both Carlisle and ETCETERA:

Memorial Day or July 4th Backyard Cookout – CASUAL

ETCETERA TOP – LOLITA -#212997 | ETCETERA PANT – Suave- #208996 | ETCETERA HAT – FEDORA -#213802

  |ETCETERA TOP – SANDSTONE – #210978  |  ETCETERA BOTTOM –Sugarcane- #208802  | ETCETERA HAT – FEDORA -#213802

CARLISLE CARDIGAN – OASIS – #110581 | CARLISLE TANK – OASIS – #110582 | CARLISLE PANT –LAGOON – #109569

PANT- Dockside – #409993 | TOP – CAPEMAY- #410820

CARLISLE BLOUSE – ZOE- #512918

Beach Wedding (on the beach) – FESTIVE

CARLISLE DRESS – FRENCH BLUE -#115812

CARLISLE DRESS – MYSTIQUE -#515654

ETCETERA VACATION – #215956

CARLISLE BLOUSE – CORSICA – #112833 | CARLISLE SKIRT – CORSICA – #114803

CARLISLE DRESS – NOVELLA -#515934

ETCETERA- Retro -Style #215970

BLACK-TIE

CARLISLE DRESS – OPERETTA -#115863

CARLISLE DRESS – BRUSHSTROKE -#115811

ETCETERA –RAVE = #215972

COCKTAIL

ETCETERA TOP- JASMINE-#203803 | ETCETERA SKIRT – MOONDANCE -#214978

ETCETERA TOP – GAUZY- #210806  |  ETCETERA PANT- CLOUD – #209968

ETCETERA COPACABANA – #206659

CARLISLE TOP – DYNASTY -#112842 | CARLISLE PANT – DYNASTY – #109842

CARLISLE TOP – SAIL – #110826 | CARLISLE PANT – DYNASTY -#109842

 CARLISLE TOP – TOILE – #512900 | CARLISLE PANT – LINO – #509904

CARLISLE DRESS – PARADISE – #115810

POOL/PATIO PARTY – FUN CASUAL

CARLISLE TOP – MOTION – #112804 | CARLISLE PANT – ANCHOR – #109808

CARLISLE TOP – LIANA – #510909  | CARLISLE SKIRT – PARLOR – #514927

CARLISLE TOP – PARQUE – #110829 | CARLISLE PANT – CARINA – #109845

BEACH PARTY – BEACHWEAR

CARLISLE BATHING SUIT– ESTATE – #118853

CARLISLE WRAP – PRELUDE – #517954

 Wishing you a fun and relaxing summer ahead no matter what party code you may break.

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06Apr

For the Love of Shoes

April 6, 2017 Melrose Fisher Fashion, Style Tips
Shoe trends seen on the runway during Fashion Week are generally out of reach, unwearable, and downright out-there. We want to talk with you about this season’s footwear trends from a realistic perspective – the trends you will want to wear, and if they are not already in your closet, consider investing in a new pair.

LACE IT UP

Lacing up your sandals is so very stylish now, whether high heel, block heel or flats.
Tie one on!

 

 

BLOCKED AND STEADY

The block heel is trending still. You’ll see it high and low, on a sandal or even a pump.

 

MULES ALL AROUND

Backless footwear is back! And these styles will take you from 9-5 and through the weekend.

 

LET IT SLIDE

A cleanly styled slide is a must-have – they work with everything from, shorts and trousers to skirts and dresses.

 

 

EASTER BOOTIE

Yes, put on those booties even as the weather warms up. These booties feature peep toe, perforated upper and side panels for an airy spring look.

 

WRAP IT UP

Adorn the ankle. Flirty wraparound ankle ties enhance the beauty of the sandal and your ankle.

 

WEDGE ME IN

Platform wedge or not, either way, the wedge trend can be subtle or bold.

 

PUMP ME UP

A classic pump is THE ALL-TIME must-have for all seasons and every wardrobe.
That block heel is trending.

 

ON THE PLATFORM

Wedge plus vintage styling or wedge meets slide-on, either way, platforms are trending, too, and pretty cute and comfy.

 

SLIP IT ON

There is nothing easier than a slip-on sneaker for the daily run-around.

 

 

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24Mar

Tailored to Love!

March 24, 2017 Melrose Fisher Fashion

Melrose W. Fisher
March 3, 2017

As personal stylists, it’s our job here at Lots of Luxe to help you find clothes that work for your lifestyle, body type, and wallet and that you love wearing and make you look fabulous. How do we do that? First, by providing you with two luxury lines of women’s apparel – Carlisle | Per Se and ETCETERA. Secondly, with our training and our excellent professional tailor. Most of us need some bit of tailoring. No one is a perfect size 6.

Working with our tailor, we can provide you with a custom fit that will allow everything you purchase to fit like a glove; thereby, giving you the enjoyment of wearing what you buy and the opportunity to receive numerous comments on how fabulous you look.

Here are some garment issues a professional tailor can help with:

  • You can’t zip up the back, or you’re tired of pulling a top or dress over your head?

    A tailor can add a zipper. If you struggle to get in a dress or top that has a zipper already but it’s in the back, a tailor can move the zipper to the side. If you have a “zipper vent” in the back of a skirt/dress and you want to hem it, a tailor can remove the zipper, hem, and then replace the zipper.

  • Are the armholes too big?

    They can take the shoulder seams up (shorten the straps) and make the armholes smaller and the darts to “hit right.”

 

  • Are you short-waisted and your tops or bodice of dresses hit your hips and “bunch up?”

    A tailor can take the top up at the shoulder seams again to shorten the distance between your waist and top of your shoulders, thus eliminating the “bunching.”

  • Is a top too boxy?

    Your tailor can take it in on the sides or take in the center back seam to improve the fit & give you a slimmer look. Sometimes they add a center seam in a jacket or skirt to take it in on the sides.

  • Are the sleeves or hem too long?

    A tailor can shorten 90% of the hems of pants, skirts, and jackets. If the garment is a knit, the tailor will need to have access to a Serge machine. If the hem has a decorative edge you don’t want to be removed, most of the time a tailor can hem by taking sleeves up at the shoulder, taking a skirt up at the waistband, or adding a waist seam for a dress. A good tailor can remove lace and some embellishments and reattach depending on their placement. Asymmetrical hems may be challenging.

  • Do the pockets pull or do not look good?

    They can be stitched down or even taken out.

  • Pants too tight in the stride?

    The stride can be let out to give you more room.

  • Pants too baggy in the crotch and/or hips?

    A section of the crotch can be taken out to take the bulk out.

  • Legs too big and blousy?

    A tailor can take them in to take the fullness out. Women with apple-shaped bodies need this alteration practically every time for their pants and/or skirts. This makes a huge difference in appearance.

  • Needing a nip in the waist because it’s too big but you need the larger size to fit your hips?

    A good tailor can insert a couple of darts at the back of the waistband so there’s no gapping. A tailor can also add darts at the bust line to create a more fitted top. This is what pear-shapes need most of the time.

  • Don’t like that bootcut leg anymore?

    The tailor can take the “bootcut” out & give you a tapered leg or straight leg. How do you determine how wide a pant leg is? You take the bottom of the pant leg & fold it up to the knee. If the bottom of the pant leg is wider than the knee, then the pant is bootcut. If the pant leg is more narrow than the knee, then the leg is a tapered leg. If the pant leg equals the width of the knee, the leg is straight.

  • Have you lost weight and need some things taken in?

    Rule of thumb is most things can be taken in up to around 2 inches which would equal approximately 2 sizes. Anything over that may alter the print pattern and/or the pockets if there are any.

  • Are the sleeves are too big?

    These can be taken in or “pegged” to give the overall jacket a much-improved fit. Or as in the example below, the sleeves can be taken off, and the collar remade.

  • Straight skirt doesn’t look good on you?

    A tailor can “pegged” the skirt, just like sleeves. This is one of the easiest alterations to do that will give you a 100% better look if you’re apple shape.

  • Top or dress is too sheer?

    A lining can be sewn inside.

  • The neckline plunges too low?

    Sometimes, more fabric can be added to the neckline to reduce the amount of plunge.

Some issues a tailor may say they can’t do or do not recommend tackling:
  • They don’t take something up more than 2 inches which equals approximately 2 sizes, especially for sizes 0-10. Depending on the pattern and whether it has back pockets, a tailor may take as much as 4 inches up but no more. More likely for sizes 12-18.
  • Do not remove shoulder pads because the shoulders will not lay smooth.

Having a quality tailor is worth its weight in gold. You will be surprised how much better your clothes will look and feel if you utilize a professional tailor. By just nipping and tucking your garments, they will be able to accentuate your attributes and play down your “tiny imperfections.” Remember…“quality doesn’t cost, it pays.”

Remember, every Tuesday Lots of Luxe is Tailor Tuesday. We have a highly skilled tailored on site every Tuesday from 4 pm to 5:30 pm. We cater to both men and women and will alter any and all brands.

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