NashVogue

My first client was Claire, a 44 year old mother of three. She wanted a wardrobe consult to help bring her "mom" style into the now. She has also lost some weight caused by a medical problem. She wanted to learn how to dress for her body type. The first thing we did was go through her closet and empty it of anything that was out of date, worn looking, or ill-fitting. Next, I taught her the basics on how to dress her for her body type.

The Body Type: Claire has a pear shaped body. Meaning, she is wider through the hips and has very narrow shoulders. The goal is to create symmetry by drawing the eye upwards and creating some broadness across her shoulders. I told her to look for pants with a straight leg. When you find the widest part of the hip, make sure the pants go straight from there. A tapered leg will only accentuate the wideness of the hips and throw off what we are doing up top. For tops, she needs to look for good necklines (v-shaped, scoop, or ballet) and high waistlines. She feels a bit self-conscious about her mid-section, and we can mask that with a wrap top or high waist with a tie or belt.

The Outfit: Claire had several casual outfits that worked great for her. So, for the outfit we chose when shopping, we decided to chose something a bit dressier that she could wear on a date with her husband. We chose a great satin top in a royal blue color. The sleeves give her shoulders some width and draw the eye upwards. Since the top is not very fitted, we added a belt at her narrowest point. For the pant, we chose a straight leg pant with a subtle gray and black plaid pattern. The straight leg helps camouflage her hips and give her some height. We accessorized with a three strand necklace in blue and metallic black beads and matching earrings. The resulting look was slimming, modern, and age-appropriate for this young mother.

Technorati Tags: Body Type, Consult Cases, Fashion, pear body type, Shopping, Style, wardrobe consult, Wardrobe Tips

And now…for the top three colors for fall.

Number 3: Mustard Yellow – This color is everywhere this year, however, I just can’t get into it. I don’t think it is a super flattering color. It is best paired with browns. This color is going to be most flattering on dark skin tones. Avoid it if you have a lot of yellow/tan undertones in your skin – as it will make you appear more yellow.

Number 2: Purple – Think deep royal purple, not lavender. This color pairs perfectly with the green and fuchsia popular this season. The most beautiful way I have seen this color presented is in the satin fabrics. This gives it a more glamorous look. This color looks great on most skin types.

Number 1: Fuchsia - Not quite hot pink, fuchsia is a bright purple-pink color. I love this color in suiting for the fall. It provides a great pop of color in a black or brown suit. Fuchsia mixes well with the other colors and fabrics out this season – which makes it my number one. It looks great on most skin tones, but be careful if you have a lot of pink in your skin. Too much can cause you to look pink as well.

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There are many colors out and about right now, but there are six that seem to stand out. Today, we will talk about the bottom three.

Number 6: Royal Blue - This color is deep and rich. It’s not a bright blue, but not as dark as navy either. Royal blue is especially attractive in a silky or satin fabric. The sheen and texture add an extra level of chic to the color. Gray is the best neutral to mix with this shade of blue. Pair this with silver instead of gold for a great pop.  This shade is especially attractive on light skin tones.

Number 5: Green – Think primary green. While somewhat bright, this color blends very well into  the mix of hot fall colors. This color goes great with brown as a neutral. When choosing jewelry, go for gold or bronze over silver. I love this shade on most skin tones. However, be careful if your skin has a lot of yellow undertones.

Number 4: Turquoise – This color has always mixed well with brown (and still does), but the trend this season is to pair it with black and gray. The turquoise has an added punch when paired with these colors. This color goes great with silver or gold jewelry. Which you choose will depend on whether you have paired it with brown (gold) or black/gray (silver).

Technorati Tags: color, fall, Fashion, shade, Style, trend, Trends

In my opinion, this was one of the most entertaining episodes of Project Runway in awhile. The 5 remaining designers had to design a look for each other based on a musical genre.

The Winner – Korto: Korto designed a look for Suede inspired by "punk". This look was excellent. It suited Suede perfectly and he sold it on the runway. My favorite part of this outfit was the top. The way she imbedded the chains into the top was a unique way to incorporate this staple concept of punk culture. I also love the wash on these jeans. It screams punk rock.

Jerell: Jerell had to design a look for Kenley inspired by "pop". He nailed it. While Korto’s design was good, Jerell should have won. Kenley’s transformation was incredible. Jerell took her out of her 1950’s starlet look into the 21st century. She looked like a pop star. Additionally, the garment was extremely well thought out. She was sexy, but not trashy.

Leanne: Leanne was definitely middle of the road  this week. Her task was to design a look for Korto inspired by "country". The top she made was great. It was classy and country without being too over the top. The bottom, however, was lacking. To me it did not say "country". I know Leanne was trying not to be too cliche, but she definitely needed to take a bit more of a risk with the skirt. Furthermore, I didn’t think it was a very flattering silhouette for Korto, as it brought focus to her widest part.

Kenley: Kenley scraped by this week again. She should have been sent home this week. Her  designs have really been struggling and – when not designing a look straight out of the 50’s – has serious issues. This week was no exception. She had to design a look for Leanne inspired by "hip hop". This look has many flaws, but the most important is the high-waisted jeans. Not only is this look not flattering for anyone, but the construction is terrible. The pants pucker in the worst part of the crotch and the buttons are just an eyesore. The rest of the outfit is cheap and not so much hip hop as it is just an attempt at high fashion that fails.

Suede – is Out: I feel like Suede got the shaft this  week. His design may have been "safe" as the judges said, but at least it looked good! Suede had to design a look for Jerell inspired by "rock". I love the vest. I think the layering is a great detail. My main complaint with this outfit is that it is already Jerell’s look. The outfit he was wearing that day of his own was VERY similar to Suede’s design. However, he said his inspiration was Lenny Kravitz…and I think he nailed it.

Technorati Tags: Bravo, Fashion, Jerell, Kenley, Korto, Leann, Project Runway, Style, Suede

It’s fall. Time to say goodbye to summer and all of the busy-ness that goes with it. For me, the summer was filled with preparing for baby. For many of my friends, it was weddings. With weddings comes bridesmaid’s dresses.

How many of you have closets cluttered with old bridesmaid’s or prom dresses? I did. I had 4 dresses in my closet that I "remembered" I had when I was packing for a recent move. So…what can I do with these dresses? I’m not going to wear them again. I don’t want to throw them away. The best thing to do is donate them…but where?

Every year, thousands of high school students spend hundreds of dollars to dress up for a little thing called the prom. However, there are many girls who can’t afford the dress, and therefore miss out on a staple experience of high school. www.donatemydress.org is a way for you to donate your old bridesmaid’s and prom dresses to help an underprivileged teenage girl look fashionable for her prom. It’s just another way for your old fashions to live on another day.

Technorati Tags: bridesmaid, donate, Fashion, NashVogue Cares, prom

A popular item this fall, the vest is part of the "Menswear for Women" trend. The aspect I love about this trend is it’s versatility. The vest is a great piece for work, casual, or a night out on the town.

Who can wear this: As with all trends, just because they are in style, does not mean that everyone can wear it. This look is ideal for rectangles, hourglasses, and pears. If you are a pear, the vest will help broaden your shoulders and define your waist. This is a great look for you. Apples beware! Since the vest tends to draw attention upward and broaden the shoulders, this may be a trend you want to avoid.

One pitfall to be aware of is the idea that, just because something is "in", you won’t be able to afford it. True, "budget" stores (such as Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc) tend to be behind the trend curve, there are still affordable ways to look trendy.

The Work Look: For a clean, classy work look, pair the vest with a great blouse and trousers. Play with color and length in the blouse. Tuck it in with a belt for a look that is truly "menswear" or wear a longer blouse and leave untucked for a more feminine look.

Out on the Town: Coming from Nashville, there are a ton of hot spots to visit at night. Pair the vest with a pair of great jeans and a funky blouse or even a graphic tee. Play with textures and colors in the top. Ruffles and ties at the neck help dress it up, while a graphic tee helps to dress the look down.

Day to Night: My favorite characteristic of the vest is it great ability to go straight from the office to the club. Simply changing jewelry or from trousers to jeans and you’re ready to go!

Technorati Tags: Fashion, Shopping, Style, trend, Trends, vest

The human eye is naturally drawn to hemlines. They can make or break your look. Choosing the right hemline for you can be hard. Especially when, each season, designers try to tell you how long your hemline should be. Here are a few tips to help you with your hemline dilemma:

Skirts and Shorts: Keep the hemline either above or below the widest part of your hip. A hem that falls right at the widest part will throw the curves in your hips and thighs out of balance. It is important to take into consideration your body type. If your hips are wide, try to choose skirts that flow away from the body. This will help to mask any extra curves. If you have long legs, length is extremely important. A too-short skirt or short will make your legs appear even longer. This will have a shortening effect on your torso, throwing your figure out of balance.

Pants/Capris: Make sure the length is correct. If you know you will be wearing pants with heels, make sure the pants are long enough once you put the heels on. Don’t be afraid to buy your pants a little long and then have them altered to the correct length. It is easy to fix pants that are too long, but you can’t lengthen pants that are too short. The proper length of pants is to be 1/2 inch above the ground once you have your shoes on. Also, it is not ok to wear pants with frayed bottoms because they were too long and you stepped on them. Trim off the fray and get them altered to the correct length. Also, be sure your capris are the correct length. If you are petite, make sure they are not too long. Capris that are too long can have the affect of looking like your pants are way too short. On the flip side, if you are tall, be cautious of capris that are too short. These can lengthen your legs and throw your body out of proportion.

Shirts: There are three things to remember about the hemlines of shirts. One, shirts that hit at the widest part of your hips will make you appear wider. Two, cropped tops make your upper body appear wider and draw attention to the waistline. Three, tops that have hemlines below the hip elongate the torso and can make you appear slimmer.

Hopefully, these hemline hint will help the next time you go shopping.

Technorati Tags: Fashion, hemline, hemline hint, shape, Style, tips, wardrobe, Wardrobe Tips

Most women have a lot of clothes. We have clothes for work, clothes for going out, and clothes to feel comfortable in. Through all those clothes, there are some staple items every woman should have. No matter what the budget, these are the items you should be willing to splurge on to make sure you get the right fit for you.

1) A Classic Black Bottom: This can be in the form of a nice black trouser or a skirt. The black bottom is necessary for those moments when you have to dress up in a hurry. It can be paired with pretty much any top – from a t-shirt to a fancy blouse. This versatility makes it an essential part of every wardrobe. Just be sure to choose the cut that is right for your body type.

2) The Perfect Jean: Every woman needs a pair of jeans she feels great in. Since jeans, in my opinion, are the hardest thing to shop for and get a great fit, owning at least one pair that fits perfectly can be a huge self-esteem builder. On the day you wake up and feel fat or ugly, slipping on those jeans and knowing you look good will boost your confidence and help you get through the day.

3) The Basic White Button-Up: A crisp white top is a necessary addition to every wardrobe. It can be dressed up or down depending on your clothing needs for the day. When selecting this particular item, be sure to get one made out of cotton. This makes it an easy care item. It can be washed at home, bleached to maintain brightness, and, if in a pinch, wrinkles can be taken care of by throwing it in the dryer for 15 minutes. A word of caution, when selecting this top, be sure to get a good fit in the bust. If the buttons pucker, put it back. The top does not necessarily need to be a button up. A white wrap top made out of cotton would also work and would be a better fit for women with a larger bust.

4) A Versatile Black Shoe: Preferably, this would be a heel, but can also be a flat depending on your preference. The important thing to remember is to pick a shoe that comfortable and can be dressy or somewhat casual. The shoe should help give you confidence and feel good about yourself. Don’t pick a style that is a fad. (Remember, you can never have enough shoes, so save that for another shopping trip!) This shoe should be able to withstand the change of the seasons (no sandals unless you are in a warm climate) and the change of fashion (pick a classic, but attractive style that would be "out" next year).

5) The Sexy Dress: If you don’t splurge on anything else in your wardrobe, please splurge on this. Find a dress that, when you put it on, all you can think is, "Man, I look good!". The cliche would dictate a black or red dress, but that may not be the case for you. Your dress may be blue or green. If the fit is not perfect in the store, get the dress altered. Also, keep in mind versatility. Can the dress be worn to a party? a wedding? an evening work event? Confidence is key. If you find yourself strutting your stuff through the fitting room, that’s probably the one.

Technorati Tags: essentials, Fashion, Style, wardrobe, Wardrobe Tips

Confession time: I am addicted to Project Runway. It’s so interesting to see what these designers can do in such a short amount of time with the materials they are given. This season they have had to design outfits out of materials found in a grocery store and spare car parts. They have designed for drag queens and olympians.

Last night’s challenge was not as extreme as some this season, but was interesting none the less. The challenge was to create a head-to-toe makeover for a recent college grad to help them transition into the professional world. The catch – their mothers had input. And we all know how mothers can be with our clothing choices. (My mom is great by the way!)

Let’s cut to the chase: The top three.

Jerell: His look was classy and sophisticated, while maintaining the youthfulness of his client. She looks comfortable, yet professional. The outfit fits her perfectly and shows off her body type. She is a rectangle, and, while this look fits her, it would not look good on everyone. My one complaint with the outfit is the jacket. Since she is tall and thin, she has few defined curves. The jacket masks any curves that might have been created by the cut of the dress. Overall, the look is stunning. (Jerell was the winner last night. Twice in a row – good for him!)

Kenley: Kenley got very lucky last night. Her client was just like her as far as style goes. They both  love the vintage look. Since the client has the same fashion tastes as Kenley, her job was an extremely easy one. It is no surprise that the outcome was gorgeous.  As far as body types go, this look is  hit for pretty much everyone. The only one who might want to stay away is the apple, as the puffy sleeves will only draw more attention to your already broad shoulders. However, the skirt will offset this some, so you might be fine. Overall, the look is amazing. I want this dress. In my opinion, this was the best look of the night. However, since there was no challenge for Kenley (and we have seen similar looks from her several times before), Jerell was a good choice as winner.

Korto: Korto’s look is nice, though, definitely not the winner of the night (sorry!). The overall look is pleasing, but I don’t like the cut of the outfit for the client’s body type. She appears boxy to me. Her gorgeous curves are hidden behind the jacket.  The lack of fitting through the waist is the only issue. If there was more of a curve to the waist of the jacket, the look would be stunning. The skirt length and style is appropriate and draws the attention downward – thus slimming her somewhat broad shoulders and making her appear taller and slimmer.

Where there is a winner, there is a loser. Joe was "auf’d" last night. Towards the beginning of the season, I was a big fan of Joe’s. His designs were well-thought out and constructed beautifully. However, in the last couple of weeks, the construction and ingenuity seem to have gone downhill. Take last night’s outfit.  There is not much good going on here. The cross structure of the wrap top puckers (as though her chest is too big for the fit) and somewhat lopsided. You can see places on the skirt where it is puckering from poor construction. Even given her pose, the puckering should not be so pronounced. The fit of the jacket (even if constructed well) doesn’t fit her body type at all – as it draws attention to her broadest part and tapers her overall figure. She appears top heavy. Not a good look for this apple. Lastly, on an issue of taste, a red shoe is nice sometimes. It makes a great accent to a monochromatic outfit. However, in this instance, the red shoe looks out of place and mismatched (almost like she picked her shoes out in the dark!). The one redeeming quality is her hair. Nice job on the hair, Joe.

Tune is next week to see what the 5 remaining designers are asked to do. It’ll be interesting!

Technorati Tags: Body Type, Bravo, Fashion, Heidi Klum, Jerell, Joe, Kenley, Korto, Project Runway, Style, Tim Gunn

The Pear shape is, in my opinion, the body shape of the average woman. As the saying goes, “Once on the lips, forever on the hips,” – you carry your weight at your hips. As with the apple, we want to think about balance. The human eye is draw to proportional shapes, so what we need to do is downplay your hips and draw attention to your torso.

Top it Off: Since your top half is slimmer than your bottom half, you can get away with looser fitting tops (although fitted tops look great on you as well). Blouses with a lot of detailing, such as ruffles, help draw the eye upwards and can also create the illusion of a fuller chest. Puffy sleeves and wide straps have the effect of broadening your slim shoulders and creating more symmetrical curves on top. Stay away from high necklines, but, instead, look for necklines that are scooped, vee’d, rounded or squared – as these help to broaden your torso.

Bottoms Up: When choosing bottoms, think of cuts that help to camouflage your curvy hips. In skirts, choose a-line or flared cuts that flow away from the body. In pants, look for flared or wide-leg. Cuts that are straight from hip to ankle are also extremely flattering on you. In jeans, choose a darker wash as this helps to hide curves.

Sample Look:

Off Limits: Avoid tight skirts, tapered legs, and high-waisted pants. All of these will only accentuate your widest area. Also, avoid bottoms with a lot of pockets or detailing on the backside. Again, this will only draw attention to an area that stands on its own. Avoid jackets that hit at the widest part of the hips. Flashy belts will only draw the eye down toward your hips.

Technorati Tags: body shape, Body Type, clothing, Fashion, fit, Style