Style Solution reader, Laura, writes:
“I just ‘inherited’ a Levi’s jean jacket  from the 80s [similar to the one above]. It belonged/belongs to my husband. I am a little concerned that I will look strange wearing a man’s jacket (not sure if people can tell that or not) and the lapels are a bit big. However, it is by Levi’s and isn’t it considered vintage? Any advice?”

Style Solution Answer:

Yes, everyone will be able to tell that you are wearing a man’s jacket.  While a denim jacket is a great staple, the styles and washes do evolve over the years and it’s important to stay current.  Even though there is presently a resurgence of 80s fashions, a men’s Levi denim jacket will still look like it’s not yours. 

My suggestion: if you love it and want to keep it, spend a little money and get it tailored so that it fits you well and looks a little more modern.  Try taking in the lapels, narrowing through the torso and arms, or cropping the jacket.  You can also try distressing the denim to look spot on trend. 

Temperatures are heating up, clothing is getting skimpier, and girls are shedding their jewelry at the beach for fear that it may obstruct their perfect tans.  While you may decide to pass on the pearls at the pool, do not say no to one of these absolutely spectacular and unique agate necklaces by Stone and Honey.  Keep things simple this summer.  With a necklace like this you won’t need any other jewelry. 

Each necklace is hand made and completely one of a kind.  They all start with an intensely colored slice of agate, from hot pink and azul blue, to kelly green and royal purple.  A delicate piece of  hand cut silver or gold is then riveted to the agate for a look that is sure to turn heads wherever you go.  With prices ranging from $90 - $225 and necklaces available in small, medium, or large, there’s plenty of variety. 

Eat your heart out on the blue one above ladies, as I already bought it.  Browse through the collection though as there are plenty of other fantastic options to choose from.  I think I just got shoppers high!

We all know that boho was so two years ago, but Julia Chaplin’s debut book, Gypset Style, identifies a new era of bohemia, the Gypset: one part gypsy, one part jet set. Without a peasant skirt in sight, the emphasis is on fashion risks and personal style instead of expensive, prefabricated, store bought creations.  The look consists of bold colors, ethnic prints, beaded jewelry, embroidery, layers, interesting color combinations, and anything bought in some far corner of the world.  In short, Gypset fuses the ease and carefree lifestyle of a gypsy with the sophistication of the jet set. 

More than a style, Gypset is a way of life that shuns the mainstream and celebrates the unique, exotic, and undiscovered.  Get the Gypset style by following these simple rules:

1)    Wear Bold Colors - Gypsetters love the beach, so think island colors like corals, turquoise, red, green, sky blue, hot pinks, and bright yellows.

2)    Play with Patterns and Prints - Try florals with stripes, polka dots with plaid, or gingham with argyle.  Don’t be afraid to use patterns to express your personality.

3)    Look for Flowy Fabrics - Lightweight fabrics are essential to any Gypset outfit.  Look for organic cottons, linen, bamboo, and chiffon. 

4)    Wear Transition Pieces - One reason Gypsetters are so influential and considered to have such great style is because they effortlessly transition their wardrobes from day to evening.  Search for key wardrobe staples that you can dress up or down with the addition of a different shoe, bag, or jewelry.

5)    Avoid Flashy Designer Logos - Look for unique styles that separate you from the pack instead of any item that screams designer name or initials.

Regardless of whether you’ve ever been to Ibiza, or could even locate it on a map, it’s possible to channel your inner Gypset by embracing your style and never apologizing for it.  Confidence and creativity are key.  You can find your passport and start globetrotting again after the recession.  For right now, just follow these Gypset rules and fake it till you make it.

Any loyal follower of The Style Solution knows that I love it when stores and brands help a girl out and break things down by body type.  If you’ve ever been a bridesmaid, you’ll know just how important this is.  There is nothing worse than being so excited that your BFF is getting married and asked you to be a bridesmaid, only to have the horror of seeing what she’s picked out for bridesmaid and flower girl dresses.  All the other skinny bones Jones bridesmaids may easily fit into those little strapless numbers, but your large bust is not going to work in that tiny dress.

David’s Bridal has introduced a fabulous, body type index of all their dresses.  I love it.  You click on the body type that best describes you: full bust, curvy, petite, pear shaped, or boxy, then a list of dresses and separates appears that you can mix and match in different colors and styles to create your perfect look.  As a bride, you can tell your bridesmaids which color you want and then they can find a combo that works for them.  You will still have a uniform bridal party, but one that makes all of your bridesmaids shine because they feel good about the way they look and how they feel in their bridesmaids dresses.   

Your flower girls will look the part as well.  Mini me dresses are available in their size to make sure they feel like they are a uniform part of the wedding party as well.  Happy shopping!   

While it may be tempting to throw clothing to the wind and jump straight into your tanks, minis, and sundresses, summer isn’t here just yet.  And I could bet that your beach body isn’t ready for center stage yet either.  Spring just began and in case you haven’t noticed, there is still a bit of a chill in the air. 

Spring’s soft, slouchy, boyfriend tees, and blazers make the perfect companion while not revealing too much of your reemerging killer silhouette.  Pair with a short short or skirt and heels to show off those legs and ensure that the look still has a feminine quality.   

The boyfriend blazer provides added warmth to your spring time look and can be shed easily when the weather heats up. 

Looks available at www.shopbop.com

In years past, any bathing suit with a built in skirt was reserved for the over 70.  This year we’re seeing everything from barely there ruffle minis to slightly more modest super minis.  Almost every major swimwear brand including Betsy Johnson, Sauipe, Becca, Beach Bunny, and Juicy Couture are all showing their own take on this trend. 

Forgo the boyshort this summer and opt instead for a mini to look spot on trend, feminine, and flirty.

If you are looking for style and image advice that won’t cost you a fortune, you’re in luck.  I am now offering my Special Reports for a fraction of their printed price.  They regularly sell for $24, but you can download them today for $9.99.  Simply click the links below to order yours today.  I know you will find the information very useful and that it will help you look and feel your best.  Enjoy!

55 Ways to Slim Your Silhouette with Ease
This 32 page book gives you 55 easy ways to slim your silhouette today.  It includes tips on foundation garments, tailoring, fabrics, diverting attention, body types, proportion and balance, color, swimwear and more.  It is a great place to start if you want to look slimmer without surgery or fad diets.  It’s amazing how implementing these easy tips can instantly help create a slimmer silhouette.

Polishing Your Professional Image

By implementing the proven tips and guidelines in this book, women will feel more self confident, up to date, and put together.  The straightforward style, practical tips, and advice in these pages are easy to grasp and can be used immediately.  Every woman, regardless of size, shape, or age will be able to look more polished and professional.   

Shopping isn’t a sport.   So many of my clients race through stores, because like most people they are trying to do too many things in too short a period of time, that they end up buying things they don’t try on, don’t really like, and that don’t match anything else in their closet.  The result is racks of clothes that sit in your closet unworn, and obscene amounts of money wasted. 

Take your time, especially in this economy.  Try clothes on.  Look for a great fit and fabulous fabric.  Think about what you already have that will work with this new addition.  Only then should you think about buying something new.

Most of the world has four seasons.  Lucky for us, here in southern California, we have two.  That means we can easily transition our spring style into fantastic summer looks.  Take a page out of the new Nordstrom catalogue (www.nordstrom.com) and try a slouchy springtime short and jacket with gladiators, long scarf, and black asymmetric fedora for a fabulous, relaxed weekend look.  Or, transition into summer with a denim skirt, killer heels, silky top, and straw fedora.  Both looks are feminine, comfortable, stylish, and spot on trend for spring/summer 09.

Brixton black felt fedora, $55
Arth brand asymmetric fedora, $105
Eugenia Kim summer fedora, $300
Eugenia Kim brown cloche, $315

If, like many, you have become obsessed with the amazing hats you see on celebrities or TV, but you haven’t a clue where to find them, relax, there’s Arth.  This gem of a hat store is tucked away in the LAB anti mall in Costa Mesa, with a second US location in SOHO New York, and is stocked with every possible stylish hat you could dream of.  From fedoras and panamas, to cloches and bowlers, and everything in between, the quality is impeccable and there really is something for everyone.  Check out their website www.arthhat.com and their blog for regular updates.