What NOT to Wear to the Office

For men, dressing for the office is easy. Suits or dress pants, shirt and sometimes a tie. Ladies don't have it so easy. This article we found on-line today gives us some great observations on what we might not want to wear. Bosses Reveal Worst Wardrobe Dont's

Fashion Language: Shirts and Skirts

Knowing the language is ever so important. The fashion culture has its own language and terms are thrown around like everyone knows their meaning. Below is the first in a series of articles providing some insight into the language of fashion.

A-Line Skirt or Dress	A silhouette that is narrower at the top, flaring gently wider toward the bottom thereby resembling the letter A. Works well on most figure types; good for disguising bottom-heavy figures.
Basque or V Waist	The basque waist is a low U or V silhouette. Providing an illusion of length, the basque waist is an extremely flattering dress style and good on most body types.
Empire	A type of dress or top where the waist line is raised above the natural waistline, sometimes as high as right below the bust. The empire dress creates the illusion of length and camouflages a bottom-heavy figure or thick waist.
Funnel Neck	High neckline without seams for streamlined look.
Cowl Neck	A neckline where the excess material is gathered and tucked in, so as to form a provocative scoop neckline.
Fit and Flare Skirt	A skirt that is fitted at the waist and flares out in an A-line or tulip shape at the hem.
Shirred Waist	A decorative gathering (as of cloth) made by drawing up the material along two or more parallel lines of stitching.
Tea Length	A skirt or dress hemmed to end at the shins.
Back Yoke	A fitted or shaped piece at the top of a skirt or at the shoulder of various garments.
Ballerina Neckline	A low neckline that is often paired with strapless or spaghetti-strapped dresses.
Bateau Neck /Boat Neck	A high, wide, straight neckline that runs straight across the front and back, meeting at the shoulders; it has the same depth in the front and back.
Bell Sleeve	Long sleeve that flares at the bottom like a bell.
Cap Sleeve	A small, short sleeve that sits on the shoulder, either forming a stiff cap or falling on to the arm to provide minimal coverage.
Pencil Skirt Column/Straight	A straight line skirt with no flare or fullness at the hem or waistline.
Convertible Collar	A rolled collar that can be worn open or closed. Sewn directly to the neckline.
Crew Neck	A round neck with ribbed banding that fits close to the base of the neck.
Decollette	When a garment is cut very low at the neckline, revealing shoulders, back and bosom.
Diamond Neck	A diamond-shaped cutout that fastens at the front or back neckline.
Dolman Sleeve Batwing Sleeve	The dolman sleeve is designed without a socket for the shoulder, creating a deep, wide armhole that reaches from the waist to a narrowed wrist.
Fitted Point Sleeve	A long, narrow sleeve that tapers to a point that rests against the back of the hand.
Florentine Neck	A wide, square-cut neckline extending to the shoulders.
Halter Top	A sleeveless bodice with a high choke or wrap-neck that is usually backless.
Mermaid Skirt	A sleeveless bodice with a high choke or wrap-neck that is usually backless.
Sarong Skirt	Long cloth that is wrapped around the entire body.
Shawl Collar	A one-piece collar that is turned down to form an elegant, continuous line around the back of the neck to the front of a garment.
Square Neck	An open-yoke neckline shaped in the form of a half square.

Watch for the next Basic Essential: Day Dress and in the near future How to Shine on Causal Days.

The Right Style of Skirt for You

The right style of skirt is very important staple any every woman’s closet. Tim Gunn lists a skirt as one of 10 wardrobe essentials: "A skirt is womanly and can be flirty or businesslike." There is nothing more feminine than a woman wearing the right skirt or dress for her shape.

Just have to know which is best for you: the powerful pencil, flirty A-line, modest maxi, mid thigh, solid, patterns, gathers and darts, or wrapped. To find your shape to go February 18, 2010 Fashion for Your Shape and Style.

Curvy Lady Look for a pencil skirt with a wide waistband that defines your center, and then pair it with a button-down shirt, a flirty blouse, a knit top or even a fitted tee.

With natural curves, the pencil skirt will enhance the silhouette. As tapers to the knee creates an hourglass shape because of the contrast between the narrow hem and fuller hip.

A skirt in a solid color or muted pattern, such as pinstripes or small polka dots, will keep your figure sleek and balanced. The result is both sexy and sophisticated look.

Glamour Gal Look for a contoured waistband. It accentuates the difference between waist and high hip, creating a nice curve. Belt loops and a self-covered belt, an elegant touch, also help bring the eye to the waist, adding to "curve" appeal.

You probably want to show off your legs, but the skirt should rise no higher than mid-thigh. Any higher would be impractical and tacky.

Invest in a crisp cotton style covered in a cheerful print that will take you through spring and summer.

Classic Hourglass A classic pencil shape—which traces the waist, hips and falls straight to just above the knee—is the embodiment of respectability.

Want to take it a step farther, think unusual construction, such as a bandage style. Items with stable-yet-stretchy knit will outline your curves while creating an effect which will bring applause from even Mr. Gunn.

Classic Athletic Think of incorporating a pencil skirt with pizzazz into your office-wear wardrobe. Find a pencil skirt with a wide waistband or a belt, it will accent the waist nicely and give definition.

Contrasting separates that break up the figure work so well. A style in a striking color or fashion-forward print, can express personality and amp up the curve of hip. Then add a solid, neutral top.

So go wild, a zebra, cheetah motif or retro Betty with bold polka dots. The Classic Athletic shape can handle it.

Classic Triangle Want the power pencil skirt, but afraid to even try to get on those beautiful hips.

Search for a breathable version of the pencil skirt; look for styles with gathers and darts. Gathers can add bulk, look for front gathers which make room for hip bones, then let back darts release extra fabric smoothly over the bottom.

A wide, asymmetrical waistband works wonders when it comes to breaking up the hipline; however, beware of the yoke waist. It can shorten legs. Solution: A sexy platform shoe.

Va Va Va Voom The key look for spring is a pencil skirt, in addition to its notoriously sleek reputation, can be a great asset for balancing a full bust curve.

A wrap style may be very effective; cinches the waist to accentuate curves, just watch for a style with multiple fasteners—never worth scrimping on security.

Elongated pleats help add volume to hips, while encouraging a proportionate silhouette.

A light color draws the eye downward and is perfect for spring and summer activities.

Curvy with Legs for Days Look for flirty A-line shirts with flared hemlines. A flat, smooth waist will help minimize the waist. The flirty A-line, really enhances both the curves and legs and is powerful and feminine all at the same time.

A no-waistband style will work well; another smart choice is a wide yoke—the cross-seam will create hip dimension, thereby making the middle appear slimmer.

Vertical effects, including princess seams and subtle stripes, will accentuate long legs. Pair the look with matching-tone hosiery and heels, it will seem like the legs go on forever.

Most important, have fun; try on styles and prints that catch your eye. Watch for Fashion Terms in the near future.

Refresh and Renew Your Wardrobe and Closet

Spring is in the air. This is a great time of year to get a fresh new start and renew your wardrobe. Start, by first going through your current wardrobe and closet. This is a perfect time to examine every article of clothing you own--from yoga pants to cocktail dresses--and decide if they still have what it takes to retain membership in your closet.

It is a great idea to get some help with this process (actually more of a reality check), to help sort out the outdated and outgrown. A close friend who be so only truly honest, as only a close friend can be. For example, you try on a blouse. That has been hanging in your closet for over three years, still even has the tags hanging on it.

"Veto ," she says. "Into the local charity thrift store box."

Simple Steps to Refresh and Renew Your Wardrobe and Closet

1. Start with one category of clothing at a time (pants, skirts, shoes) and evaluate each item individually (trying it on if necessary) and ask yourself:

- Do I still like this and feel good when I wear it?
- Is this item still in relatively good shape (no stains, rips, etc.)?
- Is this item still in fashion or a classic?
- Does it fit?

2. If the answer is no to any of the first three questions, put the item into one of three piles--donation, sales or repair. Within a week bring the items to their designated locations.

3. If your answer, to question number four, is no! And the item does not fit; however, you felt great and attractive when it did fit. Determine if the item is worth being altered. If so, within a week you must take it to a seamstress.

If you are waiting to lose weight before you wear an item again, give yourself a time limit to be able to slip into it (say, within the six months) or get rid of it.

4. Hang the keepers from that category back in your closet in an organized fashion using sturdy hangers in one color or wood hangers with clips. Make sure all clothes are facing in the same direction and organize them in order of color from dark to light for each category.

On to the next category. And so it goes, on and on, until that magical moment when you step back and with grin satisfaction.

Make sure to either drop off or arrange for pick-up of the give away box within a few days. And take all the items that need to be altered to your seamstress or tailor within a timely matter.

Coming next will be Fashion Terms . . .

The Classic Shirt: An Staple of every wardrobe

A classic shirt, or two, hanging in your closet just might just be the things you need to create project the imagine you desire in the world.

The white shirt is a classic by definition. It can also be very stylish and trendy when you choose the correct style, cut and piece to maximize your body shape and assets. However, it is important that you make sure to have something in your closet which is not dated, or worst looks like a man's piece of clothing.

To find the style or styles, which will accentuates your best attributes and minimizes trouble spots. Here are some tips to finding the shirt is prefect for your body type.

(To find out which body type best describes you check the Blog entry on February 18, 2010.)

The Full-figure or Curvy:

V-necks, U-necks and scoop necks create swooping lines that balance your shoulders while revealing your collarbone and flattering your décolletage. Warp looks also enhance your proportioned figure. Try a graceful, face-framing portrait collar.

If you want to enhance your not-quite-hourglass proportions, find design elements that play up your bust or waist curve, they will work beautifully. Because you have a gently defined waist, styles that simply trace your figure look gorgeous on you.

If you’re a petite, a square neckline will accomplish the same effect without overwhelming.

Glamour Gal: Reverse triangle or Y

Since you have a beautiful wide shoulder line, there is never a need for extra shoulders pads for you. The more widely set a neckline, the greater the emphasis on the shoulders’ breadth.

With your beautiful shoulder line and narrower hips, clothes hang beautifully on you. Just ask the actresses of the 1940s, were glamour was the focus of the day. Be mindful, there’s a way to do it so your shoulders don’t entirely dominate your appearance – unless, of course, you want then to.

The trick is to create vertical emphasis to pull the gaze in. A sweetheart neckline is very attractive and more elegant than a square or crew neckline. Even think about a sexy halter under your suit jacket.

Prints and embellishment placement (think center front and hem), become as important as necklines. Flared hems on sleeves are terrific balancers.

Coordinating colors and patterns and raglan sleeves lengthen a petite figure.

The Classic Hour-glass or S:

Curves define your body, making it undeniably feminine. That shapeliness of your figure turns heads, and the clothes you choose to wear can accentuate one or all of those tender curves or mask them depending on your comfort level.

When you are feeling sexy, you can go for a fitted garment. When you’re a tad more on the shy side, certain cuts and patterns can allow your curves some anonymity.

Compliment your bust curve with V-necks, U-necks and scoop necks while adding visual width to your rounded shoulder line. Cowl-necks drape beautifully and soft-shaped collars complement your curves, while surplice and fitted warp neckline, but a slit neckline unnecessarily narrows already demure shoulders.

Give those soft shoulder lines of yours some sweet attention with a delicate smocked peasant blouse or cap-sleeved sweater – fabulous for layering! Crisp tailored blouses with shirring and princess seaming fit a curvy figure well, as do tops with shaping darts and princess seams.

Classic Athletic or H:

Want to accentuate your subtle curves? Your bust and hips are already balanced, so all you’ve got to do is pair a contrasting top and bottom and add a wait-cinching belt.

A V-neck or cowl-neck opens your upper body, making your waist appear more defined by comparison. Yokes add interest while balancing straight shoulders. Flared, pleated or ruffled collars conjure drama that your figure carries off beautifully.

Wrap, empire-waist and twist-front tops as well as blouses with waist ties will articulate understated curves. Pretty elements like ruching at the bust or a ruffle-edged button placket work wonderfully on your shape. And don’t forget that patterned tops are fabulous on you too, whether you prefer a floral or polka dots.

For the petite, the sweetheart neckline is very attractive and flattery – typically a better choice over a crew or square neckline.

Classic Triangle or A:

It’s time to face facts: How many ancient Goddesses are the Classic Triangle? The weight of the world rests beautifully on your lush hips and thighs; and slim waist. Flaunt or flatter, it’s up to you there are simply ways to create balanced.

To balance hips, extend the shoulder line with bateau and ballet necklines. Dramatic portrait collars work magic. By all means have fun with unique scarves and art jewelry.

Your best bets are fitted styles that hit at the high hip. Puff and cap sleeves define and extend the shoulder line, while yokes bring definition and weight to the shoulders and upper back, offering terrific back-view balancing.

On petites a collar the same color as the bodice works well and even better are uncomplicated yet dramatic necklines like wide V-necks or U-necks.

Va va voom or P

You have an asset which can make you the envy of others. You just have to choose to flaunt it or not. There are number ways to dress your figure to shine for any occasion.

Similar tones and small print top to bottom help to balance your overall silhouette, as do darker tops paired with lighter bottoms. And by choosing garments with the right detailing and cuts, it’s easy to show off other assets too! Think open and simple.

You look great in V-necks, U-necks, and scoop-necklines with little to no details. Surplice cuts keep you looking sleek in blouses and eliminate “gapping.”

Want to flaunt what you’ve got? Halters with built-in support are wonderful.

For petites, a deep V-neck or collared neckline without lapels is especially flattering.

Full figure with Legs or E:

Your shape is defined not just by your well-proportioned hips and shoulders but also your waist, or seeming lack of it. You look excellent in clothing with a vertical illusion that showcases you shoulders to legs.

Your shoulders can carry off a dramatic neckline that calls attention to your chest, neck, and of course face. V-necks and U-necks open up the space between your face and bust curves, so they’re flattering, and portrait collars were made for you.

For some an empire waist will camouflage a thick midriff, but nix the style if there’s too much tummy, or some mommy-to-be questions might surface.

For petites a nipped-in waist-length top compliments more than a boxy style. Also, you look best in small, flirty collars.

Coming soon . . . Spring closet cleaning, Understanding all these terms. Check in often or even better subscribe to Like New Suits Blog, we have some exciting future articles and resources to share.

You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression

As unfair as it may be, we are all judged by others first and foremost by our appearance.

Have you ever carried a favorite purse until it is (literally) falling apart, or until it is so dirty you can't remember what color it used to be? If you haven't done this yourself, you probably know someone who has. It's understandable. We buy a certain bag because we like the color, price, or design & layout and we just know that we won't be able to find a replacement that is just as wonderful.

But wearing a sharp Ann Taylor business suit and carrying a purse that is past its prime sends out a very strong message: "She's not quite pulled together". Wearing a $350 Anne Klein suit doesn't matter if they can see the $14.99 Target purse you carry with it, making the entire ensemble look like it was bought at a discount store.

Fashion Forward, Fashion Frugal gals know this creates an opportunity to impress based on how we look. Carrying a quality, well-made, designer handbag may seem like an indulgence but in reality it is an investment in yourself and your future.

Quality purses last longer. The cost more money, in part, because they are better built from higher quality materials. The average designer purse can last 15-20 years if properly maintained. Have you ever had a purse last 20 years? It really is possible.

BUYING GUIDE

1. I recommend leather handbags because they are easier to keep clean than fabric purses. Patent leather is even easier to clean. Most designers sell a cleaning solution designed for their products. Go ahead and spend the $7 on cleaning solution and use it regularly (at least once/month). Spot clean any new marks immediately when they happen.
   
2. Choose a classic and timeless, simple design - one that you can imagine wearing winter, spring, summer, and fall and one that is not trendy.
   
3. Color choice is very important. You want a neutral color that will match nearly everything you own. This pretty much means black or brown. Between black and brown, choose the color that will most often match your shoes. When in doubt, get black.
   
4. Do not buy a white purse unless you will also buy a dark one to wear through the winter. As silly as you may think the old dictate, "Never Wear White After Labor Day" may be, there ARE people who believe wearing white after Labor Day (or before Memorial Day) is a sign of low class, especially among older persons and many in the northeast. Be assured - you will be judged by this, you just may not know it.
   
5. Avoid signature purses. Designers go in and out of fashion, so hesitate before purchasing a signature bag (that is, a bag clearly emblazoned with the designer's name or mark). Remember, your objective is to get a well-made attractive, classic bag and avoid the trends.
   
6. A purse bought at Anne Taylor or Banana Republic may look very nice, but it is not even close to the quality of a Coach, Dooney & Burke, or other entry-level designer handbag.
   
7. How much will this cost? If you are careful, you can purchase a designer handbag for less than 50% off the MSRP charged in department stores. This puts a $300-350 leather purse in your hands for $150-175.


8. Where to shop? Don't waste your time at the department stores (only exception: Nordstrom's Half-Yearly Sale). If you are lucky enough to live near a Coach Factory Store, be there when they open and head right for the clearance section. Any time I have gone the clearance purses were marked 50% off the lowest tag price. They re-stock clearance bags every night, so arriving before they open is essential. TJ Maxx/Marshalls have started carrying Dooney & Burke bags. A wonderful on-line store is Bag, Borrow, or Steal which rents designer purses, then sells each purse after so many rentals. There can be some real deals here - just don't waste money renting! Lastly, you can buy new and used designer purses on eBay and get some very good deals. A lot of sellers buy Coach purses at their local outlet and then re-sell them on eBay! The key to avoiding fake bags is to carefully read the feedback on each seller who has a purse you like. Make sure they have been selling for a while (feedback score of at least 100), and follow the links to see what kind of items they have sold before. If they haven't sold purses before, don't buy from them.

Building a Wardrobe . . . The Basic Essentials

When building a wardrobe it is important to think about the foundation. A poor or weak foundation will cause a lot of undue stress in the future. As with any lasting composition, the foundation is what sets the style and longevity. In today’s ever changing fashion industry it is difficult to know just what elements or items of clothing are needed to created the strong foundation you desire. And with the current economy in the state it is in, it is even more important to choose wisely.

Fortunately, we are so very lucky to have some amazing stylist and designers sharing their knowledge via the Internet and Cable broadcasting. One whom has already done the hard work of which practical pieces are needed in your wardrobe is Tim Gunn of the reality makeover television show on Bravo Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style and Project Runway, with his Ten Essential Wardrobe Elements.

He list is made up of mostly classic foundation pieces. And as with a classic it is important ; first, that it fits you properly; second, it is a current fashion (i.e. be aware of shoulder pads, hem lines, lapels, etc.); and lastly, the piece helps to show off your best features.

Here is Tim Gunn's 10 essential items shopping list:

1. Classic Shirt
2. Dress Pants
3. Any Occasion Top/Cashmere Sweater
4. Skirt
5. Day Dress
6. Basic Black Dress
7. Jacket/Blazer
8. Trench Coat
9. Jeans
10. Sweatsuit Alternative

Bonus: One Indulgent Trendy Item

If you would like more advice from Tim Gunn, read his book A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style.

Next week, watch for more information on the Classic Shirt, along with which style of classic shirt with fit your body the best.