Just say NO!                                               Give it a GO!

Style Solution reader Laura asks:

Q: I have a beautiful suit (jacket and pants) by Perry Ellis. I bought it about six years ago. However, the jacket has shoulder pads. This is bad right? I don’t think they are really noticeable though. Also the pant has a high waist and a somewhat tapered leg. I could send you a picture if you wish. I would like your feedback!

A: Thank you for your question. Shoulder pads in and of themselves are not necessarily bad. They can really help give shape to certain body types. However, if they are large and can’t be removed, or are out of proporation to your body, they will look out of date. My main concern is the pants which sound severely out of date. We can do high waist, or tapered, but not both. It is hard to say without seeing you in the suit, but just based on what you’ve told me, it sounds like it may be time to donate this suit to your favorite charity (mine is Women Helpig Women in Costa Mesa) and finding a new one.

Q: Style Solution reader, Sarah, asks “How can i fix a hole in an expensive sweater I have?  Do I have to get rid of it?  The rest of it is still in great shape.”

A: If you are in the southern California area, simply take your knitwear to The Knitwear Doctor (1651- D Placentia Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627, 949 650 1025, www.knitweardoctor.com)

This woman is an absolute magician when it comes to repairing holes, snags, and tears in knitwear.  Whether a moth has made a meal of your garment, or you destroyed it all by yourself, The Knitwear Doctor will save the day.  Keep her in mind when you are cleaning out your closet and considering tossing an expensive or sentimental item.   

It’s a known fact that celebrities have access to the best stylists, the most exclusive designers, and the most outrageously expensive jewelry. But all of this means nothing if their clothes do not fit perfectly and their overall look is not completely polished and put together.  Their secret weapon: fabulous tailors like Ella’s House of Tailoring (848 N. La Cienega Blvd., 310-652-2952). Ella and her team of trusty tailors are behind almost every major Hollywood celebrity from Brad Pitt, Diane Lane, and Jennifer Hudson, to Avril Lavigne, Ellen Pompeo, and Christina Applegate.  Her acute attention to detail helps celebrities look like the super stars we know and love from the red carpet to their everyday errands.

Make sure your clothing fits you to a “T” by following these top tailoring tips and tricks:

Hem the Front to Match the Back
If you’ve got a little too much junk in your trunk, chances are when wearing a skirt the hem is shorter in the back than in the front.  This detail only goes to emphasize your sizable rear.  For a quick fix, march off to your tailor and have them hem the front of your skirt to match the back while you are wearing it.  Although it may look askew when on the hanger, it will appear perfectly even when worn, thus creating a more cohesive look. 

Sew in Extra Snaps
If you are a busty woman that often struggles with large gaps in between the buttons on your blouses, we’ve got the tip for you.   Head to your local fabric store and find yourself a packet of small plastic snaps.  They come in a variety of colors, so you should be able to find some that work with your particular blouse.  Sew the snaps in between the existing buttons on the inside of the placket to prevent indecent exposure.  From the outside the snaps are invisible, but it’s amazing how they will keep your entire look smoother and slimmer.  You’ll never have to worry about someone staring at your bra again.  Double stick tape can also work in a pinch.  Simply place it between the buttons to provide temporary concealment. 

We’ve all heard of VPL (visible panty lines), but there’s a new VPL out there (visible pocket lines) and they are equally as offensive and destructive to one’s overall image and leg line as their original acronym.   Visible pocket lines occur when your pants are too tight or too light in color, so the lining of the pocket across the top of the thigh or across the back of the bum is exposed.  This creates unneeded lumps and bumps in areas that we would prefer to be sleek and smooth. 

There is a very simple solution for VPL.  Cut the pockets out of your pants and sew them shut.  This removes the bulges of pocket lining and obliterates any gaping or puckering at the pocket opening.  The overall look is a leg line that is as slim and smooth as possible. 

This trick works with any type of pant, jean, or skirt that has unsightly pockets and should only cost you about $10 at your local tailor or dry cleaner.  When it comes to our hips and thighs we need all the help we can get.  Once you discover how much this little tip helps your overall appearance, you’ll be taking everything to the tailor straight from the store.  Enjoy your new found sleeker silhouette.

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. 

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!   

I know we all love the designer collaborations with stores we can actually afford…especially during this recession.  Well if you missed the first shipment of Matthew Williamson’s collection for H&M, don’t fret.  The second shipment arrives in stores tomorrow, so plan your day accordingly. 

His color drenched collection carries with it the promise of the sun this summer.  Whether you’re looking for a stylish and affordable bikini, a sheer summer dress, or something stylish for your boyfriend, stop in to H&M tomorrow.  This is the first time that an H&M designer collaboration collection is available in all H&M stores and also marks Matthew Williamson’s menswear debut.  Welcome boys to Mr. Williamson’s wonderful world.  You won’t be disappointed!

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.   

Do you ever have one of those moments where you’re already running late for an event, you’re standing in your underwear in  your closet, you’ve already tried on five outfits, your heart is racing, and you’re starting to sweat.  You feel like you’re never going to find something to wear, your makeup is running, and all you want to do is lay on your bed and cry?  Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

I recently had an anxiety attack of a different sort, but wow, they are intense.  I now know what my clients feel like when they tell me shopping or putting outfits together gives them anxiety.  Isn’t it great that there are people out there, like myself and other AICI image consultants, that can relieve you from all the anxiety you face with your style, wardrobe, and clothing choices. 

Getting dressed shouldn’t be an anxiety ridden event every day.  If it is for you, do yourself a favor and hire an image consultant to help you put 5 foolproof outfits together.  It will be worth every penny.  That way, the next time you’re in a bind, you can just look at your cheat sheet of pictures and throw on one of your perfectly put together outfits!

Here’s to no more style anxiety!  There are so many other things to worry about.

Remember those plastic soled shoes from the 80s that you laced up with any variety of fluorescent shoe laces?  Well you could say that these sandals are the modern, eco-friendly, comfortable, and fashionable alternative.  Another image consultant clued me into them as a perfect pair of shoes for someone that is having trouble matching shoes to an outfit.  With the sheer variety of ribbon on the market, and the endless ways that you could lace up these sandals, the possibilities are endless. 

Visit www.mohop.comfor more information.  Here’s what they have to say: “Mohop sandals are environmentally friendly, comfortable, and best of all, allow nearly infinite design options with just one pair of wooden soles. Simply lace any ribbon through our patent-pending elastic loops to create your own one-of-a-kind, custom-fit pair! Mohop shoes are individually hand made by Annie Mohaupt and JoAnna Fleming in our studio in Chicago.”

Who would have thought that your image consultant and personal shopper would actually be encouraging you to revisit that crazy 80s trend.