By: Sharon Mosley
When spring fever starts to sweep through your office building, chances are that your prescription will be to throw all fashion caution out the window and get comfy in your cropped jeans and tunic tops. But before you get too carried away with dreaming about tiptoeing through the tulips in your flip-flops, there are plenty of ways to look professional and still loosen up a bit.
“With business casual, you have the freedom to be a little more stylish and a lot less conservative,” says Jill Martin, TV personality, style expert and author of “Fashion For Dummies” (Wiley, 2010). Of course, what you wear to work depends on the particular business environment in which you are employed. However, Martin believes that “business casual” may be one of the most common forms of dress these days.
“Instead of the traditional business suits,” she says, “you can wear pants, blouses, skirts and dresses. These selections make business casual more comfortable and give you the opportunity to inject some more of your personal style.”
Still, it can get complicated. Waking up every morning and putting on a suit requires much less thinking — pulling on an entire outfit that is comfortable, but not sloppy is a whole other matter.
“If you’re the slightest bit confused about what to wear as far as business casual goes, take a cue from the men in your office,” advises Martin. “If they’re wearing khakis and polo shirts, you can use that standard, even though you don’t want to wear exactly that. Your goal is to distinguish yourself in a way that makes you look both stylish and feminine.”
She suggests wearing sharp wool gabardine slacks or Capri linen pants with a fitted shirt in a soft pastel, instead of the traditional polo that a man would wear.
“Don’t forget a great pair of shoes,” adds Martin. “Ballet flats are always chic yet comfortable.”
The more options you have when you get dressed for work this spring, the better. But putting them all together is the trick. Here are some more tips from Martin on how not to be a fashion dummy:
— Keep a few items in your office to throw on when you need to. Perhaps a cardigan in a neutral color and/or a scarf.
— Keep a perfect pair of black pumps and a perfect pair of black flats at work. “You’ll be glad you have the flats if your feet are killing you, and if last minute plans come up, you can dress up your outfit with the black heels.”
— Even if your workplace doesn’t require you to dress formally, show up decked out from time to time. “It helps people see you in a different light, which never hurts,” says Martin. “And when people ask why the change, just say with confidence, ‘I felt like getting dressed up today.'”
— Don’t go overboard. “You can be playful,” admits Martin, “but make sure it doesn’t turn from playful to too sexy.” Wearing a tight skirt that keeps riding up during a business meeting is not something you want to worry about or to be a distraction to your clients.
— Are shorts ever OK? “The easiest answer is a simple no,” says Martin. “Even if the policy is ‘anything goes,’ you must remember to always dress appropriately.” But in the most casual of offices, long, tailored shorts paired with a blouse or sweater set and heels can be casual yet chic, according to Martin.
— How about jeans? If the dress code at your office is on the “creative” casual side, then jeans are often the “go-to” item, says Martin. “Some jeans scream casual, while others can be chic and appropriate.” She suggests sticking to a pair of nicely fitted, dark denim jeans paired with a sophisticated blouse or sweater set.
Forget the jeans with the holes in the knees. Just remember, she adds, “make sure you have a few great pairs of heels and at least one fabulous work tote to pull an outfit together and make you look ‘done.'”
— Accessories can also be a way to relieve spring fever at the office. “Aside from wearing more comfortable clothing,” says Martin, “business casual dress is an opportunity to wear clothes with more flair. A scarf, earrings and a nice pair of sandals can totally transform your work look. Accessories can be a quick fix when trying to make an outfit pop.”
— And last but not least, there’s one universal rule of dressing in any business setting, says Martin. “It’s always better to be a little overdressed than underdressed. You can never go wrong if you follow this advice. In fact, people will end up looking to you to set the standard.”
Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM
by: Sharon Mosley
When it comes to wearing plus-size clothes, it’s all about attitude, says Babe Hope, author of a new guidebook: “Pretty Plus: How to Look Sexy, Sensational and Successful No Matter What You Weigh” (New Horizon Press, $14.95). Since Hope has struggled with weight issues all her life, she has decided to transform her “pity party” into a “pretty party” by writing a book that gives new fashion skills to plus-size women.
One of Hope’s biggest tips centers around accessories: “For us curvy women, much of fashion, in terms of clothing, is dictated by fit,” she says. “But when it comes to accessories, the sky’s the limit and the opportunity to create ‘focus’ on meaningful attention and expression abounds. The plus-size woman should revel in this opportunity.”
Here are some of Hope’s tips on using accessories to create a stylish image:
— Strive for consistency in order to build a wardrobe, according to Hope. “A little of this and a little of that or ‘this is cute’ won’t get it done.” She suggests doing some people watching. Then cut out pages of accessories you love from magazines and choose the design elements you like. “This will serve as the common denominator for all the accessories you select.”
— Avoid spending a lot of money on accessories, even if you like the expensive ones in the magazines, admits Hope. “The malls are full of stores with terrific accessories,” she says. But if you can afford it, obviously, more upscale accessories will ‘boost your wardrobe a great deal,’ but the same rules of design apply regardless of what you can afford.”
— Begin to collect special accessories one at a time, Hope urges. “You do not need several of one item or sets of accessories,” she says. “Begin with a stylish handbag, tote, umbrella, scarf, pair of sunglasses, raincoat, pair of leather gloves and hat. Strive for items that are bold, impressive and strongly evidentiary of your emerging style.”
— Don’t get too matchy matchyü says Hope. However, there must be a distinctly unifying influence among all the accessories. “There are times I have to run out on an errand and don’t have time to dress the way I want,” she says. “Give me a pair of black jeans and a well-cut black top with a colorful vest or a warm-up suit, matching top and bottom with a great set of accessories and I’ll appear well-dressed and pulled together, casually and effortlessly.”
— Focus on the handbag, according to Hope. “Firstly, they never suggest they would look a lot better if I lost 10 pounds. Secondly, I trust my handbags to carry and organize my busy life. Thirdly, good handbags allow me to make a statement about my lifestyle or, frankly, the lifestyle of which I dream.” Hope firmly believes in the saying, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression.” “I believe that and I’m willing to bet my pocketbook on it,” she says.
— Plus-size women should concentrate on getting the “proportion” right when it comes to accessories, says Hope. “Large women need large handbags,” she notes. One of her favorites is the square satchel similar to the Birkin bag. This trick also goes for sunglasses, watches and jewelry. “The only ‘small’ earring I can abide is a large diamond, at least one carat, real or faux, or a 10 millimeter or greater pearl stud,” she adds.
— Color is a must when it comes to accessories for plus-size women, says Hope. “A plus-size woman gets the benefit of looking svelte in the darker colors of her clothing, but gets the added benefit of ‘wow’ as her accessories contrast against that background.” She also encourages larger women to choose bold textures and embellishments when choosing a handbag.
— Create a “best feature” like a signature piece of jewelry that is bold and memorable. “Make sure it enhances you,” she says. And don’t worry if it’s real or not. “I admire women who lavish jewelry on themselves, layering pieces that share a unifying quality — metal, stone or material — for impact. I think of it as a composition displayed against a clean, monochromatic background of soft, neutral colored clothing.”
Her favorite signature jewelry is a set of interlocking silver bracelets. “Let the clothing create a svelte look and the jewelry explode!”
Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM
By: Sharon Mosley
Does this make me look fat? Who hasn’t uttered those words on one or two occasions? (Especially, if you’re standing in front of those dressing-room mirrors on steroids!) No matter what your size — or your age — we all want to look our best.
And yes, there are some real secrets to slimming down on the fashion front. This season, Sher Canada, Chico’s style expert, offers her tips on new ways to shape up and look fabulous. Here are some of her best bets when it comes to slimming down for spring:
— Start with column dressing. This is one of my personal favorite tips that I’ve used in my own wardrobe for years. Simply put, it’s wearing the same color on top and bottom — then topping it off with a great cardigan or jacket and wonderful accessories. My basic “column” pieces are usually black, but in the spring, it’s time to lighten up, according to Canada. Column dressing “creates a longer, leaner look, even in white,” she says. Metallic silver and gray is my alternative to black in the spring.
— Style it, girls! OK, you’ve got to work it a little bit. Come on, you can do it! Canada says to push up those sleeves, wear heels with your slim-leg jeans and pile on the jewelry. It’s the little things that mean the most when it comes to creating a stylish spring look, even when you’re wearing the most classic clothes. Try teaming oversized accessories with your professional suits for a more up-to-date style.
— Throw in a trend. You can do this, too! Update your wardrobe with at least one new trendy item that suits your own fashion personality. Canada suggests the “modern-in-the-moment, must-have pant” on the spring horizon: “an incredibly comfortable cargo that’s chic with satin.” And the jean du jour? A slim-leg, zippered ankle jean.
— Balance is critical. Hopefully, you’ve already figured out what “proportions” look good on you. Cropped jackets over flared pants? Long, soft tops over skinny pants? Then tweak your favorite pieces and take it to the next level: “The key is the high-low rule,” says Canada. “Build your look around a single star piece, and balance it with basics.”
— Get energized with color. No, you don’t have to wear black to feel slim and trim in your clothes. Break out of that style rut and mix it up a little bit … even if you wear a pop of a purple sequin tank and cardigan over your black pants. Citron is another way to give your wardrobe an unexpected twist: “Citron always looks fresh with white and silver,” says Canada. Another colorful tip? “Match colored denim with a patterned novelty jacket to look perfect but not planned,” adds Canada.
— Accessories shape up. Yes, you can wear a belt and get the lean look, too. “Think you’ve lost your waistline?” asks Canada. “Think again.” She suggests experimenting with “slouch” belts hooked on top of your stomach — “not too high, not too low. The slight dip will slim your waistline,” she says. Stretch or chain belts are great when worn underneath a shirt or jacket to show off the buckle and hide the elastic.
— Scarf it up! We all seem to have problems on the way to wearing a scarf. But I personally have dozens in my wardrobe. Talk about a way to add a lot of personality and variety to those basic “column” pieces! Canada advises wearing scarves in a natural way: “You want a scarf to look as if it just fell into place — even if it didn’t.” She also finds that uneven ends form a slimming vertical line. “Even ends cut you in half.” So, if you only buy one accessory this spring, make it a scarf. It’s instant glamour!
Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM
By: Sharon Mosley
Romance isn’t limited to just chocolates and champagne. How about a little lace to go with it? This is the perfect time of year to flirt a little bit with your wardrobe. Send a message of love to your inner style diva. A ruffle here, a strappy sandal there, and the woman in workout sweats is instantly transformed into a ravishing romantic.
Here are a few essentials to give your wardrobe a dose of stylish romance, even if your favorite go-to outfit is jeans and a T-shirt:
— Anything with ruffles. They’re a trendy must-have this spring, and you’ll find ruffles cascading down shirts, skirts and soft cardigan sweaters. Anything that gives a flash of flutter can only make you feel a little more feminine.
— A swirly skirt. Think fluid fabrics like chiffon, rayon or silk in a flippy style that hits above the knee. A-lines are always figure-flattering, but short pencil skirts can also add that “sexy secretary” feel to your wardrobe.
— A wrap dress. Slinky is the name of the game for this classic popularized by Diane Von Furstenberg years ago. In solid black or red jersey, it’s always a winner; in geometric or floral prints, it’s not so serious.
— A silk or satin camisole. Lingerie-inspired, these “under” garments are the romantic way to give your “professional” jackets and sweaters a touch of romance. And you can give this item as much “play” as you want, showing off great accessories, such as an attention-getting statement necklace.
— Sequined tanks. A little bit of sparkle goes a long way. See above.
— Anything lace. Lace is another fabric that has always had romantic connotations. Whether you wear it in a top layered over a camisole or on a pair of slip-on mules, it hints of sophisticated glamour with an air of mystery that any drama queen would love.
— Animal prints. Grrrrrr … these still roar when it comes to choosing a foxy look. Often you only need a touch of the feline print — a patent animal-print pump, faux fur cuffs on a sweater or a chic cheetah clutch — to pull off a stylish look with more fashion flair.
— A sheer blouse. The perfect layering piece for a romantic wardrobe, the transparent chiffons, organzas or georgettes give you lots of options. Add some ruffles, and you have double trouble.
— Silk flowers. The big and bold necklace may be a hit on the fashion trend scene this year, but there are a few other “late bloomers” that are growing in popularity out there, too. One large silk flower, in a pretty lilac or rose color pinned onto a lapel or even a strand of pearls, can really turn you into a modern Victorian.
— Heels. Whether it’s a pair of sky-high gladiator sandals or a modest pair of kitten heel slides, dress your shoe wardrobe up with something other than flip-flops and sneakers. High-heel boots can also be a romantic addition to your wardrobe, especially in soft suede. Skip the clunky clogs that are hitting the stores this spring.
— Sexy stockings. Ooh, la, la. Teamed with long tunic tops or short skirts, sheer hosiery or patterned tights can add that extra dose of romance to any outfit. Try them in bright colors for even more pizzazz.
— Stones that sparkle. Hey, they may hang from your ears or decorate your fingers. But if you can find only one major piece of bling, turn on the lights and fight fire with fire!
Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM
By: Sharon Mosley
It’s not just Hollywood celebrities who have red carpet moments. Hopefully, we all will have a few of those “golden” glamorous times in our own lives, whether it’s a wedding, a bat mitzvah or a gala charity event. But if anyone can give us some tips on making the most of those “red carpet moments” when they do come our way, it’s Melissa Rivers, who through the years has witnessed the performance of hundreds of celebrities on their big day (or night)!
In her new book, “Red Carpet Ready: Secrets for Making the Most of Any Moment You’re in the Spotlight” (Harmony, $22.99), Rivers gives us some surprisingly personal insights into the life lessons she has learned from her experiences growing up in Los Angeles and sharing the red carpet and TV cameras with her infamous mother, comedienne Joan Rivers.
“What I’ve learned in watching thousands of celebrities have their red carpet moments,” Rivers says, “is that nobody turns in a star performance in the spotlight by accident.” And she admits that while it’s critical to “be comfortable in your own skin,” and “show grace under pressure” and “be nice on the way up,” she has also found that “every woman cares about looking great when she’s having a red carpet moment. Appearance matters.”
In a season of awards shows, here are a few of Melissa Rivers’ fashion pointers that we can keep in mind:
— Don’t let the dress wear you. “When you know an outfit isn’t right for you,” she says, “it’s impossible to carry yourself with the confidence that makes you truly gorgeous. You look self-conscious and everybody knows it.”
— Weep once; buy quality. “My uncle always said, ‘Buy quality and weep once.’ That means the price might be a shock to your credit card, but you won’t suffer the extra pain of having to replace what you bought in a year because you went cheap. There’s nothing wrong with saving money, and it’s not a bad idea to bargain-hunt for something you’re going to wear only a few times, but you’ll never go wrong spending on quality for the go-to items in your wardrobe.”
— Take care of your shoes. “Nothing ruins your put-together look like shoes that are battered, scuffed or just old-looking,” says Rivers. “It’s so easy to clean and polish any decent pair of shoes that I’m amazed more women don’t take the time.”
— Test-drive your haircut. “Leave nothing to chance,” cautions Rivers. “If you’re going to try a daring new cut, test it out a few weeks beforehand. That way, if what looked so good in the salon turns out in daylight to look like a dead cat sitting on your head, you can have some time to make changes.”
— Make important changes before panic time. Forget losing 10 pounds two weeks before the big event, says Rivers. “Instead, prepare for the spotlight months in advance with a healthy lifestyle: good diet, exercise routine, skin care and so on. That way, you can approach your red carpet moment knowing that you look healthy and radiant, and you’ll have the confidence that comes with knowing that you look healthy and radiant, and you’ll have the confidence that comes with knowing you’re as prepared as you can be.”
— Flaunt what you’ve got. While Rivers admits that there are some celebrities who look good in anything they wear, most of us “have to dance with the body that brung us.” But that doesn’t mean you can’t look your best when you find yourself in the fashion spotlight. “Everybody has something about them that’s exceptional,” she says. “Figure out what that is for you and work it.”
— “Be a well, not a fountain.” One of my favorite chapter in Rivers’ surprisingly thoughtful book deals with showing grace under pressure: “Until you’ve walked down a few red carpets in someone else’s designer pumps, don’t assume you know what they’re dealing with … Don’t spill your guts to everyone you meet about how much life sucks at the moment. Everyone is carrying their own baggage, and they don’t appreciate the weight of yours. Have some good people in your life whom you can lean on, and be stoic and brave to the rest of the world.” Now that’s a great piece of red carpet advice for all of us.
Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM
By: Sharon Mosley
If you’ve never worn jeans, then this is the year to make a new resolution: Find a pair of these “do-it-all” fashion staples and give them your own signature style. Forget your age. Forget your size. There’s a jean for everyone and practically every occasion. OK … maybe we won’t see them at the Golden Globe Awards, but these days you never know.
Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when wearing denim this year:
— Do buy jeans that fit. The stiff denim jeans are a thing of the past. With new stretch fabric innovations, there’s a pair of jeans to fit even the curviest of figures. You may have to try on several different sizes in different labels, but don’t give up. There is the perfect pair out there. Ask for help from a knowledgeable salesperson. Then when you do find a brand you like, stock up!
— Don’t get stuck wearing the infamous “Mom” jeans. You can win the battle of the bulge without sacrificing style and without spilling out of the top of your jeans into the dreaded “muffin top,” which has plagued many women for years. Look for jeans with waistlines that hit right below the bellybutton for the most flattering silhouette.
— Do consider cut. The skinny jean is still a big fashion trend, but a boot cut is usually more flattering for most body types. And if you do have larger thighs, a trouser style may be your best bet.
— Don’t stick to just one style. Try to incorporate a variety of silhouettes into your wardrobe. You may have one favorite, but jeans can be your best friend when it comes to building a basic wardrobe. This spring, cropped denim is a big trend for the warmer months ahead.
— Do think about shoes. The right shoes or boots can make or break a pair of jeans. Generally speaking, your jeans should cover the heels of your shoes and hit right on top of the front of your shoe. If you need to get them hemmed (and many of us do), have them altered to match the original hem stitching. You will probably find that you will wear different lengths with different shoes — I have a special pair for flats and another pair for heels.
— Do dress your jeans up. Jeans are one of the most versatile basics you can have in your wardrobe. When buying them, think about your lifestyle and buy accordingly: a dressier pair for the office; a more casual pair for the weekends. Darker washes are preferable for dressier occasions and for work.
— Don’t go baggy. There’s nothing worse than a slouchy pair of jeans that hang off your body. You may have broken them in years ago, and they’re the softest things in your closet. But it’s time to get rid of them. Stick to wearing jeans that are sleeker and chicer! You don’t have to go tight, but you do need to remember to buy jeans that fit and may even be a little small for you, since most jeans have a tendency to stretch as you wear them.
— Do get creative. Jeans are the perfect “base” for adding some oomph to your fashion outlook. Experiment with different “trends” and revamp your whole wardrobe. Tuck your skinny jeans into knee-high boots, or jazz up your cropped denims with a pair of strappy sandals. The more creative you get, the more you’ll see how you couldn’t imagine life without your favorite pair of jeans.
Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM
You’ve spent weeks cleaning out your closet and getting ready for a new year free of fashion clutter. So, now what? What do you do with all those bags of clothes? Do you donate them to the local Goodwill? Give them to friends and family? Or take them to a consignment shop? Or sell them on eBay?
Here are a few tips to help you recycle your wardrobe extras:
— When it’s cold outside, it’s a great time to spend a few hours taking inventory of your closet. Ask yourself what you haven’t worn in the past year — or the year before that — then be ruthless and get it out of your life once and for all. Maybe those sleeves have never really fit you; those buttons have been missing for months; you really do hate that chartreuse green color. Make room for something new. And remember: One woman’s trash is another woman’s treasure. Put it in the giveaway pile.
— After you’ve purged, you have some decisions to make. I usually load my “extras” up in the car and take them to a local charity where I know my clothes will actually be worn by a person in need and not resold. Dress for Success is a favorite charity as well as the American Red Cross.
— If your clothes are in excellent condition, then you may want to consider “reselling” them at a consignment store in your area. Be sure to check out the store’s policies. These policies can vary widely. Many shops only handle high-end merchandise or clothes with designer labels. Ask what percentage of the sale price the store keeps. And remember, if your item does not sell right away, it may be marked down again and again.
Also ask what the store does with unsold clothing. And always make a list of what you have left at the consignment store. Trust me, it’s easy to forget that slinky little cocktail dress that languished at the back of your closet for years, even when it’s at the resale store. Out of sight, out of mind!
— If you’ve decided to finally part with great-aunt Lucille’s fur stole or your grandmother’s rhinestone brooch, then you may want to consider taking it to a consignment store that specializes in selling vintage clothes and accessories. Again, ask friends for a reputable store managed by people who know their “stuff” and can assist you in determining the value of a treasured item.
Also ask about their “terms” — some vintage stores may offer you cash up front, while others operate much in the same way as a consignment store that resells designer clothing.
— Have a swap party. I’ve only been to one of these, but it was interesting. Most of us had more fun sipping cocktails and socializing then actually going home with tons of new clothes. But there are several websites that will get you started on hosting one of these parties — www.wikihow.com or www.ehow.com — and even online fashion swap sites: www.swapstyle.com.
— And then there’s eBay. This international, online auction phenomenon is a treasure trove of fashion finds — new and old. One of my New Year’s resolutions (oops, I forgot to mention this last week!) is to sell one of my black Persian lamb coats on eBay. However, at this point, I’m much more likely to find an authorized “eBay” drop-off store and let them do all the work for me. Now that’s how I like to clean out my closet!
Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM
By: Sharon Mosley
Most of us make resolutions and then break them. But instead of promising that you’re going to lose 20 pounds or walk 10 miles every day, give yourself a style makeover. It’s much easier, and you’ll still feel good about looking even better … then maybe you’ll go for the gym workout.
Here are my top 10 fashion resolutions for the coming year:
— Forget dressing age appropriate. At one of my family’s holiday dinners, a 74-year-old friend burst into the room wearing black leather leggings and boots. She looked fantastic. I vowed then and there to rethink the “age appropriate” thing and try some new things. I invested in a pair of “liquid” satin leggings, stuffed them into my scrunchy suede boots, and wore them to the next holiday party. They were a hit. Of course, I had on a long, knee-length coat over them. No need to get too carried away here.
— Shop for the unique. This is another way to put some new life into a weary wardrobe. When you shop, seek out truly distinctive clothes and accessories. That jacket with the embroidered peacock on the back, the clutch studded with colorful rhinestones or the knee-high tapestry boots. Give yourself some style personality with statement pieces, whether you find them on a department-store sale rack or on a shelf in the back of a vintage store.
— Add more color. Yes, I do say this every year when my daughter comments that I always look the same in our family Christmas photographs … dressed in head-to-toe black. But I did put the black back this season and tried the teal-green velvet thing. It did feel more festive, but I sort of blended into the Christmas tree. Oh, well. Next year, maybe I’ll wear an orange sweater!
— Spike up my hair. Years go by, and I find myself with the same “do” that really needs a little updating. The helmet head has got to go. Time to switch to a new hair plan. I think a few highlights and a few spiky pieces here and there might be in order. Hey, hair does grow back.
— Nail it. This year I plan to have more regular manicures and pedicures. I feel much more “put together” after a professional works their magic on my hands and feet. I’d do them myself, but it never looks quite the same if you know what I mean. While I can’t go with the “green” polish trend, I do think I’ll branch out a little more … maybe that popular new taupey Chanel color — “Particuliere” … hmmm.
— Forget the long skirts. They’re hanging in my closet, dozens of them from years and years ago. Now that I have abandoned them in favor of opaque tights and shorter skirts, it’s time to let go of the frumpy ones (I’ll always keep my long, black velvet fishtail one for formal occasions) and get a leg up on a new look.
— Focus on my skin. This is probably the best time of year to find the perfect skin-care program. Winter is tough on anybody’s face, and I am now in search of a major moisturizer — preferably one with wrinkle reducers and plenty of antioxidants in it. Then there are those neck exercises I’ve been meaning to do.
— Go for the big stuff. With all the eye-catching bling bling out there these days, it’s easy to add a few big baubles to your accessory wardrobe. I’ve always been a sucker for those “little” extras that stack up to a big bang for your buck. I’ve always worn one or two rings all my life. Time for a new flash on the old fingers. This is going to be the decade that I’m going to start collecting huge cocktail rings.
— Buy new lingerie and underwear. I love the old flannel nightgown, but it’s time for a change — and by Valentine’s Day, maybe I will have discovered another option in a bright, sexy red. I think I will finally get myself “measured” by an expert for a new bra this year … the girls just keep heading south, and I don’t think I want to travel that direction with them too much longer.
— Discover some new designers. As a fashion writer, I’m always on the lookout for the next “big” thing. Publicists are great about touting their clients, but it’s even more fun to scout out a new line on my own. My daughter keeps me posted on her favorites; however, I enjoy the thrill of the hunt even more when I stumble across a new name and a new look. Trying new things is always one of the best resolutions you can make — no matter the name on the label.
Sharon Mosley is a former fashion editor of the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock and executive director of the Fashion Editors and Reporters Association. To find out more about Sharon Mosley and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
COPYRIGHT 2010 CREATORS.COM
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