June 2011 Savvy News

Posted on 8th June 2011

June 2011

June Savvy News

Welcome to Such Savvy Style

Dear Carrie,

With all this crazy weather we are having all over the country just figuring out what to wear every morning is a total challenge. Here in CA we are experiencing 60 degree temps when we usually are in the 80’s! I don’t know about you but I am ready for the sunshine Gods to bring on summer! Maybe if I write about dressing for summer they will listen 🙂

A Maxi dress?

What is it and can I wear one???

The Maxi dress is the dress of the season! They are everywhere and I’ve heard from some of you wondering if you can wear them. So just what is a maxi dress? The words that best describe a maxi dress are flirty, flowing, and floor length. And yes, many people can pull off this look as there are many, many different styles to choose from. It’s all about finding the best one for you and your body.

I‘m short….For those of you who are more petite here are a few guidelines to follow.

1. Find a maxi that is a little more fitted and less of a tent shape. I am not suggesting form fitting but I am saying it should sit more closely to your body.

2. Look for a dress that has more of an empire waist or defined waist.

3. Avoid any kind of horizontal stripe or pattern. A dress with larger areas of solid color or vertical design elements will help elongate your frame.

4. And of course the favorite trick if you are short…wear a heel instead of a flat. The best kind of shoe for this dress is either a wedge or a flip flop but since you are shorter you will look better in a wedge.

I am curvy….Hello curvy ladies! Yes, you too can wear maxi dresses.

1. Thicker straps or a halter style will work best for those of you who have a larger bust. If you find one that is strapless, find a cute bolero sweater that looks good over the top. Strapless or spaghetti straps are not your best look as they will make you look larger than you are.

2. Find a dress with a lot of pattern going on. Patterns can cause distraction to the eye and oftentimes can cover up areas of lumps and bumps. Remember to always wear the size pattern that matches your bone structure. If you are not a pattern person and prefer solids choose a darker solid color dress.

I am 50 or older…Well, I can certainly appreciate not wanting to look like you are dressing like you are 30 something. You ladies can pull off the maxi dress if it’s done right. This look can also turn very dowdy very quickly.

1. Only wear this look to appropriate places – shopping, a summer picnic, the beach, the pool etc. You may look a little out of place if you try and wear the maxi dress out to a nicer dinner with your hubby unless you are in Hawaii.

2. I suggest wearing it with a little bolero sweater or semi-fitted jacket. It will make you feel less exposed on top.

3. Wear the dress with a cute flat sandal or flip flop instead of with a wedge sandal.

4. A halter or tank style will be most flattering. If you can, find a dress that has a bit more construction, it will look less floppy and dowdy.

5. Wear prints that match the scale of your frame and avoid prints or patterns that are loud.

Most importantly, find a maxi dress that you feel good in. It’s a fun, flirty look for summer that is a must have for most closets!

What’s My Shape??

This Month’s Shape is the Inverted Triangle

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

If you are an inverted triangle you are larger on the top than you are on the bottom. Your hips are narrower than your shoulders and your bust.

* Inverted Triangle is the last picture on your right.

The key to dressing this body shape is to balance out the body. You can easily do this by wearing skirts or dresses with soft moveable fabric with a flare. You can also wear pants with detailing at the waist and pockets, or thicker fabrics as this helps balance out your lower half. Another trick is to wear a semi fitted jacket that comes in at the waist and flares out a bit at the hips. You will want to avoid full ruffles, pockets, boat neck tops and thick fabric on the upper half of your body as it will create volume in an area that you don’t need the extra volume.

If you have a large bust, I understand your frustrations! Sometimes it’s not easy when you are trying to look professional and put together but you feel like you look like a Play Boy pin up. One trick that helps to minimize your "girls" is to always wear your jackets open. This not only will create a strong vertical line on your upper body but it will take away from the smushed uni-boob look that can happen when we zipper or button our jackets over our bust.

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.

Do you have the swim suit blues?

It’s that time of the year when many of you are calling to set up your appointment to go bathing suit shopping. In fact, some of my clients say this is their favorite shopping appointment of the year because they know they will leave with a suit they love and feel amazing in. Bye Bye struggling for suits on your own. Let this summer be easy, breezy and stress free with a bathing suit shopping trip.

Here are a couple of tips I use when shopping with clients for swimwear.

1. If you are smaller on top than you are on the bottom, remember to add volume to the top of the suit to balance out your lower half. Think fun detailing on top and a more simple bottom.

2. Now, what if you have been blessed with a chest. Yes, men love them but they are a real pain when you are shopping for swimwear. I suggest either a halter top or a top with underwire. Spaghetti straps and bandeau styles will just make you look wider and bulky on top.

3. If you carry weight in your mid-section you may want to find a suit that has some ruching or draping as this is a great way to hide these little problem areas.

4. Darker colors will be more flattering and take on a slimming effect whereas lighter colors tend to show all the lumps and bumps.

5. Contrary to what you may think boy shorts DO NOT look good on a thicker leg. Your legs will look much better in a scoop bottom.

I know shopping for a swim suit is one of the hardest items in your closet to shop for . I hope these little tips help. Please don’t spend another swim suit season in a changing room in tears. Let me help you find your perfect suit.

Beauty Product Alert!!!

Ladies, for those of you who want to bare your legs this summer but feel like you just don’t have the best legs around town, I have a product for you. A friend of mine who wanted to cover some veins and spots on her legs recently purchased The Right To Bare Legs a product from Joan Rivers. Her legs looked AMAZING! She looked tan and even, almost like she was wearing nylons. She was thrilled that nothing came off on her clothing and even lasted the next day after her shower. So, if you need to bare your legs this could be for you!

Do you need a service and never know who to call?

When I owned the Danville Curves one of the perks was the network of women sharing ideas, referrals, and, well, just about everything! We’re women after all and that’s what we do.

If I needed a painter I would just ask on the circuit and walaa, I had a least one name of a good painter. I have really missed that sharing and of course all of you who were members.

A year ago I joined an amazing group of professionals who do just that, share referrals. I wanted to let all of you know that I have this resource at my finger tips with people I know and trust as I have used them myself.

So if you need a new hair stylist, a painter, a plumber, an auto mechanic, a dentist, a personal concierge, new insurance, a financial advisor, or you want to throw a jewelry party I can help! I have an entire book of business cards of more than 40 professionals I spend time with on a weekly basis.

Feel free to call me or shoot me an email if you are in need of a new service and I will do my best to find you a great person you can trust.

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

April 2011 Savvy News

Posted on 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

February 2011 Spring Trends

Posted on 3rd February 2011

February 2011

2011 Spring Trends

Welcome to Such Savvy Style

Greetings!

In many areas of the country, thinking about Spring fashion still feels very far away but here in CA, we had weather in the 70’s last week. This month’s newsletter contains the anticipated list of 2011 Spring trends as well as discussing the second body shape–the Contoured Rectangle. So, if you are ready for Spring to arrive here is your sneak peak…

Spring/Summer Trends 2011

* Mixing and Matching Prints and Textures

* 70’s Inspired

* Asymmetrical Styles

* Everything Animal

* Stripes

* Ruffles

* Lace, crochet & Macramé

* Layered Gauzy Fabrics

* Scarves

* Big Statement Necklace

* Big Layered Bangles

* Tunics

* Billowy Blouses

* Button Down Shirts

* Flouncey Detailing on tops and bottoms

* Swing Dresses

* Trench Style Dresses

* Military Jackets

* Blazers

* Jumpsuits

* Wedges

* Gladiator Shoes

* Flatform Shoes (not platform)

* Clogs

* Kitten Heel

* Ballet Flats with Prints or Detail

* Pencil Skirts

* Split Skirts

* Maxi Skirts

* High Waisted Wide Leg Pants

* Straight Pants

* “Skinny” Pants and Leggings

* Harem Pants (slim at bottom)

Spring Colors

* Desert Tones and Neutrals

* Citrus

* Baby Blue Denim

* White

* Bold colors

* 2011 Spring Pantone Colors: Honeysuckle Pink, Coral Rose, Lavender, Beeswax, Peapod, Russet, Regatta, Blue Curacao, Silver Cloud. Visit pantone.com to see all the 2011 colors.

Fashion Alert, Fashion Alert

Please remember that not all 2011 spring fashion trends work for everyone. Make sure that the trends you purchase this season are flattering to your shape and that you are choosing your best colors. If you have questions about what fall trends will make you look fabulous this season please contact me.

What’s My Shape??

This Month’s Shape is the Contoured Rectangle

Each month, over the next six months we will look at a different body type. I will discuss the characterizations of that body shape, what looks amazing and items that should be avoided. There are six body types–Hour Glass, Rectangle, Contoured Rectangle, Triangle, Inverted Triangle and the Oval.

The contoured rectangle, like the triangle shape we discussed last month, is very common among women. I am actually a perfect example of a contoured rectangle. This body type is in between an hour glass and a rectangle because it’s not straight up and down like the rectangle body shape, but there is also not a 10 inch difference between the bust and hips to the waist like the hour glass body shape. If you are a contoured rectangle, the bust and shoulders are in proportion to the hips. Often times hour glass body shapes can transform into contoured rectangles with age. Using myself as an example, I used to be a perfect hour glass (back in high school….ah the good ole’ days!) but as I have gotten older and my body has shifted, I am no longer 10 inches smaller at my waist.

*Contoured Rectangle is the second on your right

The key with this shape is to show that you have a waist without showing off the exact size of your waist. Wearing clothing that is semi fitted will be best. Wearing clothing that is very fitted with this body shape may make you appear larger than you are….Remember, we used to be an hour glass and wearing the same clothes you wore when you were one may not be your best option! Let’s talk about belts on contoured rectangles. If you choose to wear a fashion belt, I suggest you do it under a jacket. However, if you have a tummy wearing a belt will create a focal point at your tummy…not the fashionista look you may be going for.

Tops, jacket’s and blouses that have some darting at the waist line will also help show off your fabulous shape. The nice thing about this shape is that your bust and your hips are in proportion so you don’t have to worry too much about balancing out the body. Focus more on using vertical influences such as stripes, zippers, stitching, patterns, fabric draping, and buttons to create length and thinness.

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.

Such Savvy Style is now on Facebook and looking for friends! Like it at

www.facebook.com/suchsavvystyle

Lip Service

Do you ever wonder if you are wearing the right shade of lipstick or gloss because you walk by someone and you think to yourself “Wow, what a terrible lip color on her?” If this is you, it might be time to have a free* make-up consultation or lip color check.

One of my favorite items in LaShell Cosmetics is my beautifully pigmented lip gloss. It is fortified with anti-oxidents, infused with vitamin E and enriched with gentle emollients. This soft lip gloss with vibrant color looks amazing alone or mixed with your favorite lip stick or lip liner. My favorite colors are Cosmo Pink and Lilac Mist but there are eight other fabulous colors as well.

*Free make-up lesson with purchase.

Do you need extra hours in your day?

If you answered yes to this question do I have the service for you. I recently discovered a fabulous new service that gives you just that…more hours in your day to spend time with your family and friends or to just have time for yourself!

Those of you who have worked with me know how nice it is when you are getting ready to go somewhere to open your wardrobe picture book and –waalaa you will know what you are going to wear instantly. How much time and effort and money that saves?!?

Can you imagine how great it would be to have someone help manage the rest of your personal life!?! Jessica Peterman is a personal concierge. She does everything from helping you organize your at home office to grocery shopping for your family. If you are feeling bogged down by life give Jessica a call and see if she can help. 510-387-1484 or jessicapeterman@sbcglobal.net

Life is too short to feel stressed out! Let people like Jessica and I help you get organized and feel great.

Try on Body Magic!

Ladies, if you are like me you have most likely spent enough money on shape wear over the years that you could start your own company! Look no further because I have found an amazing little number that will not only eliminate muffin top and back fat but slim you down and smooth you out.

Bye, bye back fat!! Call me today if you would like to try on a sample.

Order any Jiffy Steamer online and receive FREE shipping to your home. Use promo code “IMAGE238”.

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

Archives

June 2011 Savvy News

April 2011 Savvy News

February 2011 Spring Trends

Enter to win 3 FREE Outfits!

Enter to win 3 FREE Outfits!

Subscribe to the Newsletter!