April 2011 Savvy News

Carrie LaShell • 8th April 2011

April 2011

April Savvy News

Welcome to Such Savvy Style

Dear Carrie,

Wow, how time flies! Can you believe it’s April already? It’s been a while since the last newsletter but I assure you I have been busy with lots of good things happening. In March I spent a week in NYC. There really is nothing better than shopping in NY! As many of you know, my favorite time of the year is spring and spring shopping is always a highlight…especially in one of the best shopping cities in the U.S. Another highlight of my trip was a two day workshop I took with Stacy London from the TLC hit T.V. show “What Not To Wear.” Stacy really is as much fun in person as she is on TV and did she have some killer shoes!

Inside Carrie’s Closet??

People often ask me “what’s in your closet this season”? Like many of you, I have a fashion challenges with a body that is not always easy to dress. Just like you I have problem areas that I want to hide. So what has been on my shopping list for spring?

Well, for the last two spring seasons I have wanted a jump suit. Because I am short and curvy finding one that fits and looks amazing has not been easy but I found one and I love it. It’s black, not my best color, but with warm toned jewelry it looks great. It has a very flattering v neck line and is belted with a monochromatic black belt to show off my waist. Oftentimes I won’t wear a belt because it can make someone who is busty look even bustier but because it’s a solid column of color it works well. I was really excited about this find so when I fell and it ripped you can only imagine how disappointed I was!

Because white is such a popular color again this year I am on the hunt for white pants. White pants you say?? Yes, not always an easy look to pull off but a nice white lined pant (not a skinny pant), more of a dress pant, can be flattering on a lot of body types. Notice ladies, I said a lined pant!

Another fun item in my closet for spring is a sling back platform heel. I love this shoe because it looks a lot higher than it really is. Talk about looking taller and thinner…everytime I wear them I feel like I’m wearing magic shoes!

As many of you know I am an accessory girl so spring would not be spring without new accessories. Both long and short necklaces with clear crystals are functional with many outfits. And one of my very favorite finds this spring is a little black ruffle clutch. It works with a dressy look and a fun, trendy jean look.

What are the fun spring items in your closet? If you are having a hard time picking out some fun spring outfits let’s set up a time to either go shopping or shop in your closet so you can feel fabulous about YOU!

What’s My Shape??

This Month’s Shape is the Rectangle

For the last two months I have been writing about different body shapes. This month I will talk about the rectangle. I will discuss the characterizations of that body shape, what looks amazing what should be avoided. There are six body types–Hour Glass, Rectangle, Contoured Rectangle, Triangle, Inverted Triangle and the Oval.

If you are a rectangle then you have no waist. If you take a ruler and place it under your arm pit, your body will graze the entire side of the ruler without any contouring. You will most likely feel very straight up and down. In other words, your hips are in line with your waist and your shoulders.

* Rectangle is the third on your left

The key with this shape is to create a waist line where there isn’t one. We can do this in a few ways. Many people would think that adding a belt would do the trick however, a belt could end up accentuating that area and show that you don’t have a waist. By wearing a belt with a semi-fitted jacket over the belt you will create the illusion of a waist. Any time you wear a semi-fitted jacket with darting at the waist you are creating contouring.

Another trick is to use diagonal detailing on your clothing. Two diagonals that point in toward one another are a great way to show off the illusion of a waist. You can also add volume to the shoulder line or hip line to make the waist line appear smaller. This can be done by wearing tops that have detailing at the shoulder or top of the sleeves, or bottoms that have a little volume such as an A-line skirt.

Some rectangles don’t want to create a waist because this body type tends to have a longer, leaner look. It’s ok to wear straight garments and create focal points above the bust line as another option. Think narrow over narrow silhouette or drapey fabrics. Be careful of looking too boxy….remember never wear wide tops or jackets with wide pants! The straight look can very easily go from looking long and lean to thick and short if the wrong items are chosen. A great example of someone with a rectangle body shape who dresses in straight silhouettes is Diane Keeton.

If you still have questions about your body shape and what will look best on you call for a body style analysis or wardrobe evaluation appointment.

Fake’m out

with Falsies!

If you feel like your eye lashes are thin or too short, false eye lashes may be a fun answer to your problem. They actually have become quite the hit with all the generations.

I myself like wearing them when I am going out for an evening on the town as it just adds some pizzazz to your eyes. Oftentimes it even makes the eyes look bigger and brighter. Below are a few easy tips to putting them on. Now ladies, let’s be honest, making sure the eye lashes are on correct is important and takes practice. Please don’t try putting them on for the first time when you are walking out the door to your daughters wedding or a big fancy gala!

1. Curl your natural lashes so that they blend in well with the false lashes. You will use mascara at the end after the false lashes are in place.

2. Decide if you need a full strip of lashes or if single lashes to fill in gaps will be enough. Lay the lashes on top of your own lashes and look at them before using glue. If you are using a full strip, look to see if they are too long while they are still lying on your lashes, if they are, then they need trimming.

3. Once you have your strip lashes all set and ready to put on take a Qtip and dab a small line of glue along the base of the false eye lash. Now bend the eye lash to the natural curve of the eye. Let the glue set and get tacky for about 20 seconds. Then gently lay the false eye lash on top of your natural lash and line up the glue strip as close the the base of the eye where the lash meets the lid as possible. I find it easier to keep my eyes open and tilt my head up when applying the lashes. HINT…I find it much easier to cut the lashes in half and do one half at a time instead of working with an entire strip.

4. Once you have the lash in place, look carefully to make sure the ends of the lash are touching the skin and have not been placed too high.

5. Let them dry for a few minutes before applying mascara. Mascara will help blend your natural lash with the false lashes. You will not need a lot as your lashes will look amazing without!

WALLAAA you have lashes! Now, they may feel a little heavy but you will get used to it within a short period of time.

The brand of lashes I use are made by Ardell and the best glue is Duo. I recommend you get clear drying glue. It looks white when applying it on the lash but it will dry clear. Now on to the question I get asked most often…just how the heck do I get them off? No worries, they just peel off! I usually just sleep in mine and by morning they come right off with no effort. You could also use a little make-up remover. Good luck and let me know if you need a lesson.

Prints and Patterns…Oh my

Prints and patterns are the rage this spring. Learning to work with them can feel overwhelming but once you know how to make them work for you, prints can really add interest to outfits. Here are a few basic tips.

1. Wear the size print that matches your body structure. For example, if you are small, a smaller print will be your best.

2. Let busy prints and patterns speak for themselves. Avoid too many accessories. Simple jewelry will work best.

3. Don’t be afraid to mix and match prints. The best rule for this is to keep one print simple and one print more complex. When mixing, try to always ground every outfit with a solid color.

4. Sometimes prints can cause the eye to become confused so placing them on top of a problem area can be a good thing because it will actually hide the problem.

I encourage you to go for it and try integrating prints in your wardrobe! You never know what cute things you might come up with.

Carrie LaShell
Such Savvy Style
Certified Image Consultant
www.suchsavvystyle.com
925-478-0084