Here it is time for the office Holiday Party again. Don’t want to wear the same thing you did last year? Maybe this is this the time to pull out that fabulous, sexy dress that really shows off your curves. Well, maybe not.

It is best to keep in mind that the office Holiday Party is really an extension of work. Whether this is the office party for your spouse or significant other or your own company, your professional image is important. Following are few tips to guide you.

Dress: Choose something festive but modest and conservative. This is not the occasion for that knockout sexy outfit that you have been dying to wear. I remember reading an article a few years ago of interviews with co-workers after the office party. On man commented that his very competent, professional female co-worker had worn a very provocative dress. His comment was that she looked terrific in the dress but back at the office, he always envisioned her in that sexy dress. Men are wired so differently! This could have a huge impact at work in how your co-workers view you. The two deep red dresses are alluring and tasteful. Then there is the orange dress….Maybe not for the office party.

Conduct: It may be tempting to have several glasses of wine and let your hair down but this is not the right occasion. A slightly inebriated man can probably get away with it and just have to endure a bit of ribbing back at work. Not so for a woman. Unfortunately, this double standard exists so to remove any chance for scrutiny, take care with your consumption of adult beverages. I suspect that a consistent pattern of overindulging by either sex could negatively impact a chance for promotion but even one time for a lady could be deadly.

Color: How about choosing something other than black? A print will always be more casual and it is a little tricky to find the right one. But, have you thought of choosing your most dramatic color? Check out the color of your vein at your wrist. Match it with your dress color and you will be stunning!

Now, for that really va-va-voom look! Save it for the party with close friends. You have worked too hard getting where you are to threaten your career path with the Office Holiday Party.

Need some help in choosing your best colors? We offer expert guidance in choosing colors that best say “You” for every occasion. Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or call at 404-428-2527.

Pantyhose have been demonized over the last several years. Bosses who insist their women employees wear hose are considered ogres and face rebellion in the workplace. If an image consultant (or worse yet, a mother) suggests that a young woman would have a more finished look with pantyhose only to be discounted as old-lady and out of touch.

Kate Middleton to the rescue! The new Duchess of Cambridge, who is anything but old-lady or frumpy, wears pantyhose. She was criticized for wearing hose with a shine but the vast majority of reviews I have seen have been very positive.

I think pantyhose give a more finished look, important for professions where a suit is daily attire or for a dressy occasion. Of course, the future queen of England will spend the much of her life in the eye of the public, something few of us will ever experience.

The average woman may want to rethink her absolute aversion to pantyhose and consider a more moderate approach. In the summertime when your legs are tan, it is generally acceptable to go barelegged. If your legs resemble the Pillsbury Dough Boy (I’m talking color) pantyhose or tights will give a more finished look. Another consideration is to achieve a long leg line. If you have dark shoes and bare legs, or boots with a span of bare skin, you have created visual breaks, which shorten the leg.

Consider these pictures of the Duchess. The white and black is dramatic, which she can carry off, but notice how the black shoes and black hose or tights make her appear to have such long legs. The other photos just give a beautifully finished look.

Now let’s look at the picture in shorts. Really! Those shiny hose look ridiculous! This is definitely a time when tanned bare legs win, hands down! If you don’t tan well or don’t have time, there are always self-tanning creams that work wonders.

So, if you are in the anti-pantyhose crowd, how about keeping an open mind? If not pantyhose, how about tights to create the same long-legged look?

Could use just a little help in closet evaluation? That’s what we love to do. Contact us at: Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-467-0288

Have you ever wondered why something says “wow” to you and a friend thinks it is “ho-hum”? We all respond to different images from inside. Deep down in our inner depths. Our choices reveal a great deal about which clothing and accessories will best represent who we are.

Here are some sample pictures for you to review. Choose in the order of preference 1 and 2. If you have a closet third, add it in third place. Choose your favorite before reading on.

Leopard: Powerful, elegant, mysterious, quiet yet ready to spring into action. You need to choose elegant clothes with some drama. Add smooth, exotic accessories.

Fluffy Kitten: Playful, forever young, soft and open. You need tradition, classic clothes without complication. Choose simple accessories with a touch of fun.

Orchids: Exotic, Elegant, Beautiful. You need creative and unusual designs in clothing and accessories.

Daisies: Open, Happy, Fun-loving and Uncomplicated. You need clothes that are light-hearted, uncomplicated. Accent with accessories carrying the same feel.

Large Waterfall: Powerful, Dramatic, Expressive. This is ever-changing while remaining the same. You need clothes with a sense of drama. Choose clothes that express movement without being restricted.

Small Waterfall: Refreshing, safe, expected with lightweight movement. You need simple clothing with lightness in fabric and accessories. Clothing that can move.

This is just a sample of how symbols help you discover the styles and accessories which best portray who you really are. To learn more, contact Beryl at Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-428-2527.

Adapted from Carla Mathis one of the leading Image Consultant/Trainer in the world. I am certified in all levels of her training.

The last time we saw brown featured as a proper business color was when Al Gore’s handlers attempted to project him as the “Alpha Male” by dressing him in brown. Prior to that, we fondly remember President Regan, wearing his brown suits, especially when he visited the Midwest, in order to connect better with the agricultural community. Since then, brown has not been a part of the fashionable color list. Women are less dictated to by these trends but the perceptions of brown apply to everyone.

Allen Flusser, the men’s style expert of long standing, stated that he thought it was the British who transformed brown from an important business wear color to a country look. It has been said that the British are some of the best-dressed men in the world but there is a distinct difference between their city business attire and their country wear. Thinking of the royal family vacationing in Scotland conjures up pictures of tweeds, heavy knits, plaids and heathers.

If you love brown, there’s good news! If you hadn’t thought about it, maybe it is time to consider adding some brown to your wardrobe. Last weekend, there was an article in The Wall Street Journal touting the resurgence of brown. Let’s look at how you might be able to incorporate some brown into your wardrobe.

Brown generally falls into the warm category, making it the perfect basic color for the warm-toned person. As you may know from reading previous blogs, each of us falls into a cool or warm category. The hair, eye and skin color determine if one is cool or warm which simply means whether warm-toned or cool-toned colors will best complement your natural coloring. A warm-toned person has a peach undertone in their skin while a cool-toned person has a pink undertone. If the shade of brown is a more deep, rich chocolate color, it will be more cool and will complement the cool-toned person.

Brown is approachable. If you work in any profession where you want to draw people to you, being approachable is important. If your profession demands an appearance of authority and aloofness, this is not your color. I know a tax attorney who often wears brown suits conveying his professionalism and competence without being intimidating.

You can accent with a warm or cool toned shirt and tie or blouse in order to best complement your coloring and beautifully accent brown. Brown is never formal but a woman can make it dressier with the addition of black. Designers don’t use the combination often but I have seen some beautiful designs combining the two.

So if you are thinking brown, this is the time to head to the stores.

Is your organization looking for a speaker? Let’s talk and see if something on style, color or wardrobe might be just what you are looking for. Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-428-2527.

I just finished reading a book by this title by Genevieve Antoine Dariaux. She had her own couture shop in Paris until she was asked to join the house of Nina Ricci where she was the directrice for many years. The book was originally written in 1964 and updated in 2003. I chuckled throughout reading it, not only at her delightfully British style of writing, but at some her suggestions – some with merit and others a bit dated. Here are a few examples.

“There is a saying in France, ‘Elegance is the privilege of age’ – and, thank heavens, it is perfectly true. A woman can be elegant until the end of her days. However, as the years pass a woman changes in type, and she must be intelligent and objective enough to recognize the fact.”

Hair Colour:
“Just as light-coloured clothes are more flattering beyond a certain age, the same is true of hair. Women who do not care for grey hair or who find it unbecoming usually begin with rinsing or dyeing it back to its original colour. But after a few years, it is wise to review the question and to consider whether it might not be more flattering to reveal its natural grey or to bleach it to a lighter, softer shade. Pure white hair is almost always lovely, except when it has been given an exaggeratedly blue or purple tint.” My comment: Does anyone remember that trend?

Hair Style:

“From a glance at the list of the Best Dressed Women in the world, it is obvious that most of these fashionable beauties have adopted a coiffure which is not very extreme to start with, which they modified only very slightly throughout the years. The Duchess of Windsor and Princess Grace of Monaco never radically changed their hairstyle, and thanks to this, they never seemed to age; even their old photographs do not seem dated. . . . . . you will observe one of the basic rules of elegance, which is to discover your own best style and then remain faithful to it.”

Men’s Dress:
The best-dressed men in the world are the British and the Italians, and in every country today there are bespoke tailors and ready-to-wear inspired by these two styles. . . . . . . a man who looks like a fashionplate is unbearable. Elegant, yes. Foppish, no!”

“In order to be elegant, a woman must begin by knowing how to make a wise selection from among the multitude of clothes that are offered for sale at every price. If to this science she is able to add the gift of inventing personal – such as placement of a jewel, or an unexpected combination of colour – she then becomes a fashion leader.”

Posture:
“In normal life, it is always to a woman’s advantage to hold herself straight, it is as if she wished to stretch her height by several inches, even if she is already very tall. A rounded back, sagging shoulders and a drooping chin create an image of extreme lassitude, or discouragement with life . . . and of being ten years older than you really are.”

Quantity:
“One of the most striking differences between a well-dressed American woman and a well-dressed Parisienne is in the size of their respective wardrobes. The American would probably be astonished by the very limited number of garments hanging in the Frenchwoman’s closet, but she would also be bound to observe that each one is of excellent quality, expensive perhaps by American standards, and perfectly adapted to the life the Frenchwoman leads. She wears them over and over again, discarding them only when they are worn or outmoded and she considers it a compliment (as it is meant to be) when her best friend says, ‘I’m so glad you decided to wear your red dress – I’ve always loved it!’” My comment: Choose a wardrobe of several key pieces that can be combined in different ways to make it appear that you have a much larger wardrobe than you have.

Grooming:
“It goes without saying that it is impossible to be at the same time well dressed and badly groomed for the two are contradictory – even when the bad grooming consists merely of such details as a few unruly locks, a pair of soiled gloves, a run the a stocking, a run-down heel, a dusting of dandruff on the collar, or a perspiration stain.”

My overall impressions of elegance is that each woman recognizes her personal style and adapts her wardrobe and appearance to projecting that personal style in ever activity of her life. If you would like some help in finding your individual style, maybe we should talk. You can contact me at Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or call at 404-428-2527.

The days of weekly salon visits, sitting under the dryer in rollers followed by styling are a thing of the past. Or, are they? Indeed, some salons still cater to those clients who make weekly visits to their hairdressers but for over twenty years the norm has been periodic visits for cut and color with the client on their own in between visits.

Change is in the air. Longer hairstyles are no longer just for young women. One can see ladies well into their 50’s appearing very attractive with long hair. The key is keeping your hair beautifully groomed. Unfortunately, long hair takes a lot more work to keep well coiffed. Reality: The hair gets pulled back into a ponytail or worn wash and wear.

Research shows that grooming is the first thing people notice and hair is the most important element of grooming. Hair that appears unkempt has a direct impact how others perceive your ability. This is especially important in the workplace. I was waiting for a colleague in the lobby of a high-rise office building last week and was shocked to see how many ladies appeared poorly groomed. It was during the lunch hour so many office workers were passing through. Probably 80% of the ladies were dressed more like they were going to a weekend activity with the kids than being appropriate for an office environment.

Blow-Dry Bar to the rescue. This new phenomenon is emerging in cities across the country. These bars cater to the lady, generally with long hair, just looking for good styling. Long, thick hair can be difficult to style at home. Add a curly component and one can feel like they have had an aerobic workout. Blow-dry bars offer a few varieties of styles ranging from soft curls to straight. A shampoo styling generally takes 45 minutes with average cost of $35. Many women consider this like having a regular mani-pedi.

One only has to look at two fashion icons to recognize how hair can make a difference in ones appearance. Anna Wintour, editor in chief of Vogue magazine, is known for her impeccably groomed hair. At 62, she appears young and polished, just what you would expect for the editor in chief of Vogue. On the other hand, Grace Coddington, creative director for Vogue and former model, looks all of her 70 years with her long, unkempt hair. This look does not project her as the beautiful, talented woman she is.

Want to polish your look? We will be happy to guide you in how to find your individual style and project that style for any occasion.
Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-428-2527.

It all started with Manolo Blahnik. He can be credited with introducing designer shoes priced in the stratosphere. For some time it was the fashion statement to wear your Manolos.

Giving shoes a “signature” is not that easy. We are all familiar with the Louis Vuitton initials, Polo’s little pony emblem and countless others but how does one “brand” a pair of shoes? A few years ago a friend was telling me how delighted she was to have purchased her first pair of Manolos. She was puzzling over how to subtly let her shoe slip off her foot at a gathering so everyone could see the marking on the inside.

That was before Christian Luboutin. I think the Luboutin red sole is genius. Why someone never thought of using a distinctive color for the sole of a shoe before is a puzzle. Christian Luboutin chose red and his shoes have had that distinction since they hit the fashion scene. His designs are no more creative than other top end designers and, as a friend of mine in the shoe business confided one time, “They are the most ill-fitting shoes I have ever seen,” but that red sole compels women to want them.

YSL, in what would appear to be a jealous retaliation, has come out with their own red-soled shoes, triggering a law suite from Luboutin for being uncomfortably close to the Luboutin red. Indeed, Luboutin trademarked the color back in 2008. The presiding judge’s appreciation of designer creativity appears to be limited to his black robe. Despite the fact that Burberry has successfully trademarked their famous plaid and even Tiffany has trademarked their signature blue boxes this judge did not seem sympathetic with Luboutin. Now I haven’t ever owned a pair of Luboutin or any other top designer shoes as none of them would fit my narrow foot. (My husband probably considers this a blessing as temptation might have been too great.) I do, however, appreciate the creative genius of the designers.

This case is not over but my vote is with Christian Luboutin. After all, Yves St. Laurent has been designing shoes for at least twenty-five years. If they did not have the ingenuity to think of red soles, why try to steal the idea that has now becom a very lucrative trademark of another designer. How about coming up with an idea of their own? No one has used leopard print for a shoe sole.

Have you thought of having a presentation on how to wear the current styles for your organization or office? Let’s see if we might have just what you are looking for. Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-428-2527.

It has been said that with five tops and three bottoms, one can make 27 different outfits. I haven’t tested that out but have no doubt that could happen with well-chosen pieces. Add a few accent pieces – scarves, belts or jewelry and you can multiply the options many times over.

Let’s look at how that might work in your closet. As I mentioned last week, collections this year are much more about separates which can be mixed and matched than a costume look that does not have versatility. I have picked some pieces from the Escada line to give some ideas. These are based on black and grey but could be in navy, camel, chocolate brown or whatever base color best complements you.

We start with a simple sheath dress. This dress can be dressed up with jewelry, sweater or jacket and will take you from day to evening by simply changing accessories.

Next, consider this grey suit. I would choose a classic blazer without the embellishment to make it more universal. Notice the trousers are tapered and shorter. Ruffles on the blouse create dimension and become the focal point of the outfit. No one notices what you wore the blouse with as long as whatever you wear over it is subordinate.

Add this sweater/slack combination below and you now have a totally different combination to change the look and give extra mileage. Mix It with a beautiful blouse in a jewel-tone, softer pastel or white to give another option. Can you picture it with a blouse having the popular soft bow? Notice these slacks have a completely different feel with their wider legs.

Both the sweater and the jacket could be worn with the dress as well as both black and grey slacks. The black blouse will also go with both jacket and sweater and with either pair of trousers. Add a beautiful, jewel-toned blouse and you have four more options. If you are traveling, you are only carrying five major pieces not including blouses. How simple is that! And, you’ll look fabulous.

We’ll be happy to help you build your core wardrobe, starting with key pieces already in your closet. Contact us at 404-428-2527 or Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com.

Last week I had the pleasure of attending two fashion shows at Neiman Marcus for the newly arrived fall lines of Escada and St. John. These lines may be out of most people’s price range but they provide great ideas into how to add a few pieces to update your wardrobe. These collections focus on a variety of sweaters, jackets, pants, skirts and dresses that can be combined in a multitude of ways. I am so glad designers are providing such versatility instead of “costumes” with limited ways to wear them.

Escada is not everyone’s cup of tea but I love it. It is perfect for the businesswoman or the woman who has a traditional, elegant or dramatic style. The person who loves to be creative or a little boho in her dress will probably no find much that appeals to her style.

Instead of featuring Bordeaux, the official color of the season, Escada added Blueberry as their new color accent. This beautiful tone carries the same presence as navy, grey or black but offers a much more interesting twist.

Pants ranged from slender to a wide bell: something for everyone. The many neutrals worked together to offer a collection that will last for years. Next week I will feature some combinations to show ideas of how a few pieces can carry you through a whole season with many different looks.

St. John has been known for over thirty years for their distinct knit. When I lived in Los Angeles, I remember having one of the very first St. John knit dresses. The little boutique where I often shopped told me about this new designer making these unusual knit dresses in her home. I wore it for several years and always received compliments. Over the years, that familiar St. John became a standby for more mature ladies and lost some of its youthful edge. (My opinion.) The company has hired a new designer and this year’s collection is beautiful, modern, and versatile. Neutrals dominated the color palette, combining a soft camel-beige with a medium gray. Again, these pieces combined with sweaters, pants, jackets and dresses which could be combined in a variety of ways to give the wearer many different looks. Throw on a little fur collar or wear it around your neck with a dress or take it off and wear the classic jacket.

Both collections would be excellent for travel. One could choose a capsule wardrobe either for business travel or pleasure, being appropriate for any occasion and never feel like you are wearing the same thing each day.

Are you thinking a capsule wardrobe might be the answer for you? Contact us and we will be happy to guide you. Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-428-2527.

One of the not so new trends this fall is skin. I am so glad that this trend is lasting, as skin is a great way to add some pizzazz.

Shoes: If you prefer a solid color, you have the option of a shoe with a reptile print in a solid. This texture adds a nice touch of interest without conflicting with any print you might choose to wear it with. A natural python skin gives a softer look and offers great versatility. Natural reptile skin coloring can complement a wide range of shades. Then to give a touch of whimsy or to really add pizzazz, let an animal skin print do the work.

Handbags: A full range of skin is being shown in fall handbags. Some designs incorporate fur to really give a distinctive look. This handbag is not going to be particularly durable so it wont be your every day go-to bag. However, it will give a great focal point for an outfit. Reptile skin in either a solid color or a natural snake coloring will serve you very well. The same elements apply to the handbag as to shoes. Natural snakeskin will not be extremely durable either but it is beautiful when worn with plain colors. I have had a python bag for over twenty years and get compliments each time I carry it. It is, however, not my go-to every day bag. The handbags with exotics animal pelts such as zebra, tiger or leopard, will definitely be your focal point and should not be worn with a pattern.

Fur: This fall is featuring fur, both fake and real for collars, vests and multiple other accents. If you choose carefully, a fur vest or a collar accent can endure for several seasons. Depending on the fur, it gives a touch of softness, elegance or sophistication that can work matter what your intrinsic style.
If you want to show a little skin this season, you have lots from which to choose. Have fun!

Finally! A glimmer of cool weather, i.e. fall. We have been busy with closet edits helping clients repurpose some items while updating with some additions. If this is something on your to-do list, contact us at: Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-467-0288.

Bordeaux. A beautiful, historic city in the Southwest of France. Vineyards. The best wines in the world. And, of course, this evokes the image of that rich, earthy, red wine color that we know as Bordeaux.

Bordeaux is the color of the season. I have always envisioned a group of people over a crystal ball determining the “color of the season”. Each season has its chosen color. Who does this? How do they decide? I actually know someone who is a part of that group and when I asked her how this all happens, her response left me no more enlightened.

Bordeaux, the color, has as wide a range of hues just as red wines. Hues can range from rich purple-red to a lighter rust-red and every shade in between. That is how this season’s chosen color is presented in the stores as well.

I have been doing some shopping for a client and was pleased to see only smatterings of garments in Bordeaux. A few years ago, the color of the season saturated every clothing line. Thus, even if one had a great garment from the previous season, it looked so “yesterday” that no one was comfortable wearing it. Today, one would need to be current with fashion magazines to recognize this season’s color.

Bordeaux can be flattering for anyone. If you have warm coloring, choose the more rusty shades to which brown has been added. These shades will look fabulous with brown, camel or a creamy white. Cool toned skin can wear the red-violet shade, the intensity reduced by the addition of either black or grey. One can find the perfect shade for each skin and hair tone. Bordeaux can be paired with black, grey, navy or white, which offers great versatility.

Looking for something to perk up your fall wardrobe? Bordeaux may be just what you need!

If you need some guidance in how to bring a fresh breath of fall style to your wardrobe, we would love to help show you how without costing a fortune. Contact us at 404-428-2527 or Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com.

I have been looking at new fall shoe styles and am happy to tell you: There are many choices. Unlike past seasons where trendy styles were about all that was offered, you can find most anything that fits with your wardrobe.

Trendy: Prada, is on the cutting edge of style as one might anticipate. Their fall pumps feature heavy, stylized heels with platforms. Though fun and trendy, they are very heavy looking. If you want your feet to be the main attraction, this is the way to do it!

Boots: Boots have enjoyed a prime spot in shoe fashion for several years now. This year, boots, in general, have a more utilitarian look. There are lumberjack boots, mud boots, riding boots, cowboy boots and wedge-soled boots. Add ankle boots to the mix along the ever present UGGs. With few exceptions, these styles read casual and appear bulky. They won’t work with a skirt or dress. Clearly, boots will not be as big an item in the dressier category.

Ballet Flats: Every store features ballet flats in a wide variety of styles and colors. These are not only comfortable to wear but practical for many occasions. Ballet flats can be worn with pants, skirts, dresses and even some evening ensembles. I just purchased a pair of Cole Haan that features the Nike Air sole. They cute and stylish as well as comfortable for walking.

Pumps: There are far fewer super-high heels this fall. I, for one, am most appreciative of moving past this trend. Most pumps are shown with rounded toes but Stuart Weitzman and Van Eli can be depended upon to feature some pointed toes each season. This year, you can find both mid and high heels with pointed toes. Don’t get excited about being able to pull out that favorite pair of pointed toed heels you have from a few years ago, however. These toes have a much shorter point. A pointed toe is slimming and helps give a long leg line. As a rule they are a more flattering look for most women but a must if you have a narrow foot and smaller bone structure. The lady with larger bone structure and wider feet will probably achieve better balance with a less delicate appearing shoe so the new sturdier heels with rounded toes can be very flattering.

Driving Moccs: Driving moccs make a great addition for the fall lineup in varied styles and colors. They work for most any casual occasion offering a classy look with comfort.

Lace-ups: For those of you who need flat shoes with comfort and good support, this is your season! There are a variety of great styles out there from which to choose. These will always be more casual but it is such a pleasure to have practical shoes be fashionable. Of course, the lace-up is not limited to flats. You can find them in heels, wedges and boots.

I find that Cole Haan store, located in Phipps Plaza, offers a good selection of styles with the Nike Air comfort sole and they are reasonably priced. I also like Sesto Meucci and Amalfi. Van Eli has a wide range of styles from casual to very dressy. Marmi in Lenox Square has a wide range of styles; moderate price range and they carry narrow widths as well as a few wide widths. Stuart Weitzman in Lenox, although more pricy, has a nice selection as well. Saks carries Prada and some of the more cutting edge styles. I also check Arthur Beren in San Francisco who does a huge Internet business. They have a huge selection, including narrow widths, limited selection in wide widths and men’s shoes. And just for giggles, we added “Chewing gum” Kobi Levi, an Israeli designer! You can find more of his creations through Google.

There’s a shoe for everyone this season. Your biggest problem will be narrowing your choices down to what works with your budget!

I’m welcoming fall with several workshop/speaking presentations. If you are a member of a business or social group looking for a speaker or a workshop, give me a call. Let’s see if one of our presentations might be just what you’re looking for. Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or call me at 404-428-2527.

Well, I’m not sure they have ever really been “in” or “out” but for a group of Atlanta men, they are definitely IN. I recently met Jay Austin, founder of Jay Austin Bow Ties and the Bow Tie Club in Atlanta.

Jay, a bow tie wearer for many years, received so many comments on his ties that he and his wife, Jennifer, decided to start their business. Jennifer custom makes each tie so that one is assured of top quality lining and workmanship. No clip-ons here. Each new tie wearer is given instructions on how to properly hand tie his new creation.

I attended one of the monthly Bow Tie Club meetings recently and met the most fascinating group of people. (Yes, ladies were welcome and no, I did not have to wear a bow tie!) Most were businessmen but there were also a few big surprises. One gentleman I spoke with was career army, having had two tours of duty in Iraq. After he told me that, I could see how he would look pretty formidable with his husky build when in fatigues but he was the antithesis in his taupe suit, pink shirt with white collar and cuffs and matching pink bow tie. He told me that he had had the shirt made while in Korea so I knew he had chosen the color himself. That told me he is really a gentle, romantic soul, which he confirmed. How fun to see a bow tie bring out the essence of who one is.

Another businessman I met had inherited many beautiful ties from his grandfather. Since they were not all in style now, he said he periodically chooses one to take in for Jennifer to remake into a bow tie. How fun is that?

Jay and Jennifer have a passion for helping homeless families so they donate 12% of their gross to Nicholas House. If you or someone in your life would like to have a change of image, I encourage you to get in touch with Jay and see if a bow tie might be the answer. Their web site is www.jayaustinbowties.com.

Need some help in how to put your total look together? That’s what we do at Style With Aplomb. Contact us at Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-428-2527 for a complementary telephone consultation.

I just read a fascinating book, Power Dressing by Robb Young. It covers women in politics, both past and present, around the globe. I had never seen a number of the women and knew very little about others. I want to share with you some of those I thought were the more interesting.

Of course there were those one would expect. Michelle Obama is commended for her habit of selecting unknown designers and helping them launch their careers. Sarah Palin was quoted as choosing Patagonia and North Face as her favorite designers. Hillary Clinton was pictured with six of the thirteen different hairstyles she wore while first lady. Just an aside, I do wish she would revisit some of them. Of course, we know the lovely Carla Bruni Sarkozy, first lady of France and Rania Al Abdullah, Queen Consort of Jordan. We also remember the classic style of Margaret Thatcher. Giorgio Armani praised Condoleezza Rice as having set the standard for others to follow in her choice of “quiet sophistication and elegance over showmanship”.

Samantha Cameron, wife of Prime Minister David Cameron of the United Kingdom brings a youthful charm to her position. She chooses not to wear suits but skillfully combines designer items with less expensive tops from Zara or H&M to show a fresh stylish presence. “She never looks like a politician’s wife,” states Lucy Yeomans, editor of Harper’s Bazaar UK while Christian Louboutin was quoted as saying, “She will definitely end up on the list of the most stylish first ladies.” Truly a breath of fresh air for England!

Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, is known for her boring pantsuits. They all have black slacks with varying shades of jackets, each exactly the same style. Her German designer Bettina Schoenbach’s brand motto is “Everything should be made as simple as possible but not simpler.” Author Young commented that her style (or lack thereof) may be a political asset. The dull outfits for which she has become famous demonstrate her consistency and prudence, qualities valued in German politics. Karl Lagerfeld summed it up this way; “She should perhaps wear a little less color and find someone who can tailor better trousers for her.” It is obvious that this head of state has much more important things on which to focus that fashion!

Chantal Biya, First Lady of Cameroon, is probably the most flamboyant first lady in the world. “Known as Africa’s most glamorous first lady, she looks like a lioness. She could carry a few cubs in that mane anyway.” Booth Moore, Fashion Critic for the Los Angeles Times. Biya has a wardrobe to make any socialite wife jealous. One observer stated that she had never seen her wear the same dress twice. Not necessarily a positive image for the first lady of a very poor country. Couple her dramatic appearance with her larger than life personality, Biya manages to dominate any gathering of first ladies.

Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, President of Argentina could very well be the fashionista wife of a wealthy businessman instead of president. She is confident in how she expresses her beauty, keeping her thick hair long and wearing heavy makeup. She chooses local Argentenian designers along with famous names such as Armani and Gucci. Fernandez de Kirchner does not slavishly follow fashion trends but sticks with her sexy shirt-dresses with fuller skirts and brightly colored stilettos. Having been in politics since 1989, she decided to run for president in 2007 to succeed her husband who had brought the country back from the brink of financial ruin. Obviously, her provocative style does not take away from the confidence the electorate has in her.

Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Missned, consort and wife of the Emir of Qatar, is possibly the most glamorous first ladies in the Middle East. Anything but a retiring first lady, she is very involved in many civic projects at home and abroad. At home she wear the traditional black kaftans with her hair fully covered. However, when traveling, she chooses beautiful long dresses with a turban, pushed back to expose about an inch of hairline. Susan Sabet, chief editor of Middle Eastern fashion magazine, Pashion was quoted, “She has risen above the rest of the Middle Eastern style icons. The way she covers her hair with the turban, the beautiful couture gowns and, above all, the way she carries herself never fails to remind me of the eternally beautiful Grace Kelly.”

Some of the more colorful prominent ladies I did not include were the porn star, elected to Italy’s Parliament a while back who continued her acting career during her government service. Then there was Imelda Marcos, former first lady of the Philippines who gained world-wide recognition for her extravagance including 3000 pair of shoes. And we need to mention Cherie Blair, wife of former Prime Minister Tony Blair of the United Kingdom who could have been a candidate any day on What’s Not to Wear.

What does your style say about you? If you would like to discover your “signature style”, call us. That’s what we do! Then we guide you to build your own wardrobe to reflect the real you. Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-428-2527.

With temperatures soaring into the 90’s on a daily basis, it only follows that ladies are turning to cooler, summer attire. Although this is most appropriate, I am amazed at how many people don’t wear appropriate undergarments.

Last Sunday my husband and I attended the US Open Tennis Championship finals. I noted one lady who was impeccably dressed with black walking shorts, white sleeveless top, Chanel sunglasses and an attractive straw hat. Had we been judging who was the best-dressed spectator for the event, she would have won unanimously. There was only one very big problem. Her deep cut sleeveless top clearly exposed her bra straps. Despite the fact that the straps had cute little daisies on the top of each shoulder, it was still an exposed bra strap!

In the last few weeks, I have noted so many occasions where bra straps are clearly visible in sleeveless attire and often a regular bra will be worn with spaghetti straps. The bras that have clear plastic straps, designed to be “invisible” are even more offensive than regular straps showing. The only invisible straps are no straps showing at all! There is a reason they are called “undergarments”.

Lingerie faux pas are not limited to just bras. Visible panty lines, an exposed “T” of a thong and sheer skirts showing the wearer’s silhouette can all be seen on a trip to the mall. Appropriate lingerie for each of these is available and will make the difference between looking looking your best or missing the mark.

Bras: This is one of the most important undergarment purchases you can make. Statistics show that the majority of women are wearing bras that do not fit correctly. This is especially important for the ladies with fuller bosoms. Saks has an excellent staff of women who are trained to fit a bra correctly. Specialty lingerie shops usually have trained staff as well. Good strap support is very important for a larger bust. Although a strapless bra is a great solution for a variety of more exposed top, it will most likely not give enough support for the larger bust. There are many versions of racerback and convertible straps to be worn with deep-cut sleeves. I really like the T-shirt bra with a slightly molded cup which gives a smooth line. This is flattering for the many soft knits being worn today. There are also camisoles available with a built-in bra to wear under those sheer or semi-sheer tops. If you choose to wear a separate camisole, be careful that the two sets of straps are not obvious.

Panties: Choosing the right panties or briefs has always been a challenge. You want comfort and coverage but you don’t want visible lines. Many people opt for the thong, which avoids panty lines on trousers. However, as I have noted in past blogs, the thong is not a good choice with knit dresses. Many times have I seen a light- weight knit dress glued to the buttocks of someone wearing a thong and no slip. When you sit, the dress will cling to your skin so that it molds to you when you stand up. Most embarrassing!

There are several other options to avoid a panty line in trousers. Pantyhose are a possible option. You can even cut them off just below the knee and get the seam-free line without having to show them on your feet. Several manufacturers make thigh-length panties or longer that will also give you a line-free look. If you like a little control, Spanx is a good choice. They come in different lengths and offer light support.

I think everyone needs a slip just as insurance. Many summer dresses of a cotton or linen-type fabric are not lined. One may not be able to see through it in the dressing room but out in the sun, your silhouette will be obvious. A slip is also a solution for the clinging knit dress.

Another undergarment you might want to consider is something to smooth the midriff. The resurgence of the slim fitting sheath dresses has also brought the problem of a few little rolls exposing themselves. Spanx also has a great line of garments to smooth through the mid section. These are available in most department store lingerie departments.

Enjoy the rest of summer, dressing with Aplomb!

Need some help shopping for the right undergarment? We would love to guide you in choosing the perfect items for your wardrobe and lifestyle. Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or call at 404-428-2527.

Fashion has become much more casual and the blue jeans have become much more dressy. Thus, the two worlds meet and there is a pair of jeans for everyone.

It isn’t necessary for anyone to pay over $300 for a pair of jeans, although there are many brands out there in that price range. The Wall Street Journal just had a feature article showing the actual cost of manufacturing a pair of jeans. It is in the $50 range, which means you are paying a lot for the company’s advertising to convince you that you need the special bells and whistles that identifies the brand.

The challenge in finding “your” jeans is the fit. It usually takes a lot of trying on to find something that works so this is not for the faint of heart.

Rectangle: If hips and shoulders are balanced in width, you have little waist definition and are flat through the derriere, you are a rectangle. You need to search for pants that will not be huge through the hips and thighs. You will look great in jeans with the waist coming just under your natural waist. Since you will want to bypass the waist with a top, so it is not noticeable that you do not have much waist indentation, you can wear a blouse tucked in and give that illusion beautifully. Or, wear an over blouse, bypassing the waist. A rectangle has small hips so jeans with a slim-cut leg will be most flattering.

Triangle: This is the person with a larger derriere wider than their shoulder. There are several manufacturers that make jeans for this body shape. Any good salesperson can direct you. The best style will be a wider leg that falls directly from the hip to the floor. No narrow or skinny jeans for this body shape or you will look like an ice cream cone.

Inverted Triangle: This body shape has shoulders wider than their hips. Something to watch is that the rise is correct. Most inverted triangles have a very short rise causing many trousers not fit correctly. This body shape can wear skinny jeans or the more slender legs beautifully as they are slender through the hips and have slender legs. An excellent look is to tuck in an oversized, blousy top that exaggerates the top and is balanced by the tight-fitting jeans. Truly dramatic!

Oval: This is the body that is wider at the waist than through the shoulders and hips. The key will be to find trousers that really fit. You may need to have some alterations done. If you can wear jeans with slim legs, choose an oversized top that comes just below the hip and bypasses the waist. Make sure it is a 1/3 to 2/3 proportion; either 1/3 length in the top and 2/3 length in the pants or the reverse. It is a much more interesting proportion than half and half. You again have the balance of full with fitted.

Hour Glass: This is the body were shoulders and hips are balanced, the smaller waist sloping in from both hips and shoulders. This body can wear lower rise jeans, although, thank heavens; the really low-rise styles that expose way too much are no longer in vogue. The hour glass can also wear jeans with a higher rise. Because of the wider hips, a straight leg, dropping straight from the hip to the floor might be a better choice. Otherwise, a boot cut will be good. Be careful with slim cut jeans if you have fairly wide hips to avoid the “ice cream cone” effect.

Figure 8: This body is primarily defined by a high hipbone. The waist dips in directly above the hipbone. This body does not slope in from the hips so a jean cut narrower in the hips with a full rise will work best. Slimmer cut jeans can usually be worn, especially if you have long legs. Pockets work well for this body type. This body usually has a long rise so you will look best with a visual break in that area, such as an over blouse, pockets or yoke.

Jeans with a wider leg should end just short of the floor. This limits your choice of shoes. The slim-cut jeans can be rolled up at the ankle or worn straight and will work with any heel height as they end at the ankle.

Distressed jeans will always be casual and usually better for the young.
However, dark-washed can be dressed up or down. Dark-washed, perfectly fitting jeans, have enormous versatility. The blouse or jacket you add will determine how dressy or casual you want to be. Jeans are great for travel. They don’t wrinkle and you will look smart when you arrive. Pop on a smart, non-wrinkle top and a leather jacket and you will not only be comfortable on the flight, but you will arrive looking smart and ready to go.

Want to have more closet space yet have more options on what to wear? We specialize in helping you coordinate pieces to get the maximum use while never looking the same. Save money! Save space! Look Fabulous! Call or email Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com 404-428-2527.

I was shocked to hear that GQ had placed Atlanta in Seventeenth place on their worst-dressed city list. To quote their evaluation of our city, it is the “mecca for the promotional T-shirt” where “everyone is a CEO or founder of a record label or a clothing line you’d never heard of if it weren’t plastered in size 96 Helvetica font on their chest.”

I’m wondering where they were looking to make this evaluation. What did they use as their criteria in judging each city? Atlanta does dress more casually than they did when I moved here thirty years ago. That was before the advent of business casual. However, I have yet to see a promotional T-shirt of a record label or clothing line at any of the several business networking events I regularly attend. There are men and women in business attire and a few people in the software field, all of whom are dressed appropriately for their profession.

As I looked over the list, I discovered almost every larger city in the United States was listed. Boulder, Colorado took position forty, which I assume is the bottom of the list. Of course, Boulder would be on the worst-dressed list. The city is made of college students and faculty. The uniform for most all college students is cargo shorts and T-shirts while faculty may opt for torn jeans and T-shirts.

I do take exception to LA and Santa Fe ranking higher than Atlanta. I moved to Atlanta from LA and found a much more conservative, professional mode of dress here. LA is the poster child for funky far-out dressing. If the new brightly printed men’s pants are worn anywhere, it will be in LA. I can’t imagine them being worn in Atlanta even on the golf course. Then there is Santa Fe where cowboy boots and western attire reign. If Santa Fe was judged to be number sixteen, how come Nashville was number thirty-nine? Maybe Santa Fe wearers have more panache! After all, the locals do call it Sahnta Fe.

The only major city that I could think of not listed was Washington D.C. Of course. Everyone in Washington D.C. works for the government. They have either just been interviewed on television, are going to be interviewed or are hoping to be interviewed. It seems to me a key goal for politicians is to stand in front of a television camera flanked by a bevy of aids. Thus, one must always be prepared.

After giving considerable thought to this survey, I decided we had done very well. After all, we were only seventeenth out of forty. Houston, Dallas, San Diego and other fine cities trailed behind us. I may change my opinion if I start seeing promotional T-shirts with size 96 Helvetica font on the chest.

We had great fun at last night’s workshop for a ladies’ group. If you are looking for something unique for your group or organization, let’s talk. We can tailor a workshop just for you. Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com 404-428-2527.

I am so glad to see the resurgence of a clutch. Handbags have been oversized for a long time, often appearing more like a suitcase than a handbag. Of course, they are convenient in that you can throw everything in but the kitchen sink. On the other hand, it is often impossible to find lipstick or a nail file. You know it’s in there but you just can’t find it!

A clutch is an excellent choice to wear with a dress. Since dresses are an important fashion item this summer, the look can easily be overpowered by a large handbag.
A clutch can be slipped under your arm if you need both hands free or, as the name suggests, clutch it in one hand. The obvious disadvantage is that you don’t have the option of slinging the strap over your shoulder. A clutch can add a pop of color to that popular white dress or any other neutral. They pack well so are excellent for travel.

Nancy Gonzales, the Columbian-based handbag designer, revealed in a recent interview that she carries her large handbag to work but slips a clutch inside containing a mirror, lipstick, credit card and keys which she uses for luncheon meeting or daytime errands. This is also a great way to transition from the office to an evening event.

The clutch should never be overloaded to where it is bulging – carry only the essentials. Not only does this make the clutch look unattractive but also it is difficult to hold under your arm. Clutch size should be large enough to carry those items that you need including car keys. While dining, it can be slipped behind you against the back of the chair or placed on your lap under your napkin.

There are many choices that can transition from day to evening. Clutches with beading and glitter are best left for evening. Clutches with a boxy shape such as the straw one pictured, are not going to be so easily carried under your arm but can be adorable with jeans.

Do you love everything in your closet? If you have garments unworn and unloved taking up space, it is time for a closet edit. We love to show you how have your closet bring a smile to your face every time you walk it. Contact us at Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-428-2527. Let’s talk!

Clutch that Clutch!

I am so glad to see the resurgence of a clutch. Handbags have been oversized for a long time, often appearing more like a suitcase than a handbag. Of course, they are convenient in that you can throw everything in but the kitchen sink. On the other hand, it is often impossible to find lipstick or a nail file. You know it’s in there but you just can’t find it!

A clutch is an excellent choice to wear with a dress. Since dresses are an important fashion item this summer, the look can easily be overpowered by a large handbag.
A clutch can be slipped under your arm if you need both hands free or, as the name suggests, clutch it in one hand. The obvious disadvantage is that you don’t have the option of slinging the strap over your shoulder. A clutch can add a pop of color to that popular white dress or any other neutral. They pack well so are excellent for travel.

Nancy Gonzales, the Columbian-based handbag designer, revealed in a recent interview that she carries her large handbag to work but slips a clutch inside containing a mirror, lipstick, credit card and keys which she uses for luncheon meeting or daytime errands. This is also a great way to transition from the office to an evening event.

The clutch should never be overloaded to where it is bulging – carry only the essentials. Not only does this make the clutch look unattractive but also it is difficult to hold under your arm. Clutch size should be large enough to carry those items that you need including car keys. While dining, it can be slipped behind you against the back of the chair or placed on your lap under your napkin.

There are many choices that can transition from day to evening. Clutches with beading and glitter are best left for evening. Clutches with a boxy shape such as the straw one pictured, are not going to be so easily carried under your arm but can be adorable with jeans.

Do you love everything in your closet? If you have garments unworn and unloved taking up space, it is time for a closet edit. We love to show you how have your closet bring a smile to your face every time you walk it. Contact us at Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-428-2527. Let’s talk!

What to wear to pool and patio parties is always a puzzle. How do you look stylish yet stay fresh in our Georgia heat and humidity?

A simple short shift dress is a great answer. Choose a natural fiber such as linen, cotton or silk. Linen wrinkles more than the others but breathes the best. Ancient Egypt produced quantities of flax from which linen is made. Linen was the dominant fabric used in these hot, arid countries for very practical reasons.

Sleeveless or strapless are the best choice as they shows less perspiration. Light colors or prints are more forgiving with perspiration marks. The popular maxi dress can work well for a summer party if made from a natural fiber. Synthetic jersey fabrics do not breathe so will be hotter, especially when you add the extra length. These dresses are tricky as they cling to perspiration often clinging to the derriere and revealing waaay more than you intended to show! If you prefer to cover your arm, you can always wear a little shrug or short, lacy sweater that will offer camouflage for your arms while still being light and cool. Another option is to add a lightweight scarf that can be used as a shawl. This comes in handy if the party moves indoors to an air-conditioned area.

Keep jewelry to a minimum. Choose one striking piece like a fun necklace or dramatic earrings as the focal point. Earrings will probably the the better choice with a print. Keep your hair simple and cool. Long hair can be attractively pulled back or held up with a barrette. Humidity is not a friend of heavily sprayed hair.

Sandals are perfect for an outdoor party. They can be with or without heels. No flip-flops please. Of course you will want a fresh pedicure and use self-tanning lotion if you do not have a tan.

Keep makeup to a minimum with a light foundation and eye shadow, blush and mascara. Your skin cannot breathe with heavier foundation and perspiration spots will spoil the look.

Keeping it simple will afford you a great look and allow you to focus on enjoying the party!

All fashion images are from Nordstrom.

Take advantage of summer sales to freshen your look . If you would like help in planning what purchases you need to complete your wardrobe, give us a call. That’s one of our specialties! Having a plan not only saves you money but will help you choose only those things you need and love! Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-428-2527

Ever spend a weekend in a French Chateau? Well, that’s what we just experienced and it certainly lived up to expectations.

We are involved with Agape France, a ministry group focusing on France. This year, our group was invited as guests of an American couple who own a beautiful chateau about an hours drive from Paris. The chateau was built in about 1100 and owned at one time by Consuelo Vanderbilt, Duchess of Marlborough. Winston Churchill among other dignitaries has been a guest.
At present, the grounds encompass some 180 acres and include numerous buildings for staff, meetings and recreation. Most of our rooms had bathrooms although neither plumbing nor electricity had been updated for many years. Thus, we were asked to use our hair dryers in the pool house, about a quarter of a mile from the chateau! There was also a caution about using too much toilet paper so as not to stop up the plumbing.

As you might imagine, each room was furnished with fresh flowers. Even the kitchen of the pool house had cute little pots with a single flower lining the hood over the stove.

Dinners for both evenings were not only a delight to the taste buds but to the eyes as well. Fresh local vegetables and fruits accompanied curried chicken the first evening and salmon the second evening. Desserts were typically French masterpieces that we could have found in a top Parisian restaurant.

We have all heard the hyperbole “once in a lifetime” but I think this truly fits the description.

Have a great Fourth of July!

For year, especially those of us with fair skin, have been warned that we must wear SPF-50 sun screen, a large hat and sunglasses so that not one square inch of our bodies are subjected to rays of sun. I have observed mothers with equal obsession that their children not set one toe outdoors without at least an SPF 30 sunblock.

Certainly, these precautions have seemed appropriate, considering the incidents of various skin cancers. However, I just read an article in the June/July issue of Town and Country giving a different perspective. The author, Danielle Stein, was diagnosed with stage four melanoma right after her 19th birthday. Although it turned out to be an incorrect diagnosis, she was diligent in making sure her skin was totally shielded from the sun. Several years later she began having symptoms that doctors were not able to diagnose. She sought advice from Dr. Frank Lipman, a Manhattan-based physician who has many well-known patients, and practices integrative medicine. He determined that her vitamin D level was unacceptably low and that was the cause of her symptoms.

We all know that exposure to the sun gives us vitamin D but where is the balance in sun exposure to replenish our vitamin D and not enough exposure to risk skin cancer? It is, indeed a puzzle. Ms. Stein’s journey to good health uncovered many new studies on the effects of sun exposure. Experts on vitamin D, according to the article, estimate that half the American population fail to meet the minimum levels of vitamin D. The author also said that a mere 10 minutes in the sun three times a week without sunblock will provide a weekly dose of 20,000 to 30,000 IU of vitamin D.

Some of the benefits of vitamin D are bone health, which helps prevent rickets and osteoporosis. Dr. Michael Holick and his team of doctors of Boston University Medical Center determined that vitamin D introduced to active prostate cancer completely arrested the cancer growth.

Further studies show that vitamin D acts more like a hormone than a vitamin. Illnesses ranging from cancers to inflammatory diseases and heart attacks and strokes appear to be by reduced by adequate vitamin D levels.

The article is quite compelling and I encourage any of you to read it or do your own research. We obviously want to protect our skin from the risk of skin cancer. On the other hand, as new studies revel more updated information, we would be well advised to adjust our behavior accordingly.

For me, I am following the 10 minutes three times a week rule. Since my skin is very fair, that should achieve the balance of adequate vitamin D levels without risking skin cancer.

Enjoy the summer sun and be safe!

Temperatures soaring. Beach vacations are planned. Pool party invitations arrive. And we are hit with reality. It is time to confront the “swimsuit dilemma”!

If you are like me, it seems that each year brings slight changes to the body – not necessarily welcome ones. Even if your weight has not changed, there seems to have been a slight “shift”!

This year offers so many variations on swimsuits and cover-ups that you will be sure to find a look that says “Fabulous”. Not only can you find a suit that flatters your body, but there are suits that will fit your personal style as well.

Bikinis are always popular although they are not my favorite. This years bikinis do offer much more variety for the time-worn concept of the itty bitty teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini. There are two-piece suits reminiscent of the 1950’s which offer more cover but are sexy in a more subtle way. For that person who loves a two-piece but wants a bit more cover for the mid-section, these suits are a perfect choice. Shirring across the bust on the pink suit will be very flattering for a small bust. Neither suit offers much support for a larger bust so probably are not good choices.

One-piece suits that have shirring through the waist area will camouflage if your body is not totally smooth. Some suits offer extra control to help smooth out unwanted bumps. Spanks now offers a swimsuit.
This patterned suits is done in such a way that it draws the eye in at the waist, creating a visual hourglass image.

Suits that have straps at the shoulder will offer the best support for a fuller bust. Choose a suit that offers appropriate support for your body to avoid unbecoming sagging.

Legs that are cut up higher will be more flattering for wider hips. The lower cut legs draw attention to the hip adding visual width. For the body with quite wide hips, choose a cute little cover-up to shield that part of the body and show off your tiny waist.

Which brings us to cover-ups. Going to and from the beach or at a pool party, a cover-up is always appropriate. There is a huge selection to expose as little or as much of your suit as you wish. If you are not comfortable in wearing a suit in public, choose a complete cover-up and enjoy. Slip the cover-up off only when you go into the water and no one will see you anyway!

Creative designers are also offering a wide variety of one-piece suits with cut-outs, laces and unusual details. They are beautiful but keep in mind the tan line they will leave!

All suits are from Neiman Marcus.

Need some help in choosing the best “beach” look for you. Call us! Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-428-2527. We’re here to help.

Every spring, as graduates celebrate their accomplishment, they also face the reality of having to find a JOB. Companies have reduced personnel and are more selective in who they hire. This places new graduates in the position of having to make sure they make their best impression.

I just read an article in the Wall Street Journal lamenting the fact that our schools do not prepare the graduates for interviewing. It sited one young woman who appeared in flip-flops for an interview at a law firm for a paralegal position. (She was not hired.) We are aghast at hearing that but each year brings similar stories.

If you have a young graduate in your world who is seeking employment, please take the time to coach them on how to prepare for the interview. That could make the difference in a gifted young person getting the job or not even being considered.

Grooming: Impeccable is the short answer. Hair should be trimmed and look professional. Men are better without facial hair. Nails should be short and neat, a neutral polish for ladies. Blouses and shirts should be pressed. And, it goes without saying that tattoos and piercings need to be hidden.

Dress: It is generally better to be a little too conservative than too casually dressed. Banking, the legal profession and accounting are considered conservative professions, so a suit is appropriate for men and women. Navy or grey are the best suit color choices. Women are usually acceptable with slacks or a skirt. The suit should fit well. Paying for tailoring is money well spent.

A light blue shirt is always a good choice for both men and women. Depending on your coloring, peach or pink also works well for ladies. Blue is complementary to most all skin tones and is generally more flattering than white. Men should show about one fourth inch of cuff at the wrist. Black, polished shoes with socks matching the trousers for men while women could go with a neutral, black or navy shoe, depending on the suit color. Yes, you can wear black with navy. Pumps are the best shoe choice – strappy sandals simply don’t work with a suit. I prefer hose for ladies as it gives a more finished look.

The handbag should not be too large and should have structure. Think professional, business. Striped ties are very popular but you could choose a plain color that has a pattern in the weave. A navy or red stripe tie with accenting color would be a good choice. I suggest avoiding fashion colors like lime green or yellow. If you have blue eyes, wearing a blue tie projects integrity.

If you are going into another, less conservative field, adjust the formality of your dress accordingly. The computer field is very casual. About the only parameters are to wear long pants, be clean and know your programming. I would recommend being pressed and well groomed as well. Advertising is an area where you can let your creativity show more. Research the company first, then dress a little more conservatively than seems to be the company standard. You want them to see that you are creative but not too extreme. Once you have the job, you can individualize your style to fit within the norms of your workplace.

The Interview: The article also gave a few examples of how not to interview. One young man responded to the question, “Why do you want to work for this company?” by saying, “It beat flipping hamburgers.” It seems hard to imagine someone being so unprepared that they would blurt out such a statement, but it happens.

Remember, the company wants to know what you can do for them. Before interviewing with a company, do your homework. Know what the company does, a good bit about it. Have an answer of why you want to work for them and what you think you can offer them. Let the personnel director tell you about their benefits. Many companies complain that young people entering the workplace are much more interested in benefits than why they would be a good addition to company. Wrong impression in any job market can damage your chances for the position, especially in today’s job market.

Having had work experience through school is positive. It doesn’t make any difference if you have flipped hamburgers, been a lifeguard or cleaned pools. You are showing your prospective employer that you have ambition and have experienced working for someone else.

If you have someone in your family who could use some guidance in getting ready for interviews, call us. We’re here to help you interview with “Aplomb”! Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-428-2527.

Internet shopping has become so popular that stores are responding with new ideas to compete. Several high-end stores are offering Internet sales presenting specific sale items that must be purchased during a short window of time as supplies last. I just read where a large mall in Beverly Hills, is responding to the Internet trend by doing a complete remodel on the mall. They now offers valet service with an adjacent valet elevator so clients can easily get to the tony stores on the top levels for shopping. Of course, this facilitates easily getting all of those purchases from the store to the car as well.

Although it is great fun to peruse merchandise from your favorite stores in the comfort of your home or office, it seems to me that there are more disadvantages to advantages in this form of shopping.

Fit comes to mind first. I ordered a few things online a couple of years ago. Of the four or five items I attempted to buy, only two items fit correctly. I returned one item, finding that it didn’t look nearly as good in real life as it did in the photo. Although a return authorization was provided, I had to go to the post office and mail it at my own expense. I thought the pair of ballet shoes would work but after wearing them a couple of times, they ended up going to the Good Will. All in all, I would have been much better off taking the time to visit the store and try everything on for myself.

I wonder how many of you have this same experience. Being able to try on clothing is important. Even within each brand, the sizes vary. And how many times have you tried on something that you thought would be adorable only to be disappointed. Conversely, how many times have you tried on something that you didn’t think would work only to find that it was fabulous once you put it on? I like to try everything on to determine how it looks.

How does it fit? Can it be altered? You can often return something to a store if your alterations person determines an alteration is not possible. Also, most stores offer alterations for a reasonable charge. You are able to determine before you make the purchase if the item is a good value including the alterations.

Are the color and/or pattern good for you? This is usually hard to tell from a picture. When you try on that unusual print blouse, you can tell if the print works with your features and body. Seeing a color against your skin helps determine if it is a good color on you or if it doesn’t really work.

As you can see, there are a number or reasons I prefer taking the time to visit a store so I can see what I am purchasing and feel the fabric. I also wonder how many of you internet shoppers have items hanging in your closet that you don’t really love but decided to keep because of the hassle of returning them or that you didn’t have time to find something else before an event.

And something tells me that Internet shoppers probably spend more money than those who go to the store. It is easy to sit at the computer and make a small purchase here and other one there only to be shocked when the credit card bill arrives.

If you need a master plan in what to include in your wardrobe, we can help. Contact us at 404-428-2527 or Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com to see how we can guide you to assembling a practical wardrobe so that you will look your best for any occasion.

My husband and I have been enjoying the lovely weather by taking a walk to Lenox Square on Saturdays and having a cup of coffee at Starbucks before returning home. It is a great way to people watch. One thing I have noticed is how short shorts have become a popular spring/summer style. Short shorts are adorable on the right person but they are definitely not for everyone.

Great legs are imperative to wear short shorts in style. It that is not one of your best features, camouflage, don’t advertise. By great legs, I mean nicely shaped and free of spider veins and other blemishes.

Shorts are designed to show off a toasty summer tan so if your legs look more like the Pillsbury doughboy, use some self-tanning cream. I use Arbonne which comes in a spray. Clarins is also a good brand. The trick is to apply it evenly so you don’t end up with darker spots – easier said than done. There are undoubtedly other brands that will give a nice even tan but these are the two that I have used.

Think age-appropriate! A couple of Saturdays ago, while we were at the mall, I noticed a lady with beautiful, tan legs but she was somewhere north of 50. It just looked inappropriate. She would have been perfect in longer walking shorts. Keep in mind that I tend to be conservative, more in keeping with the Atlanta fashion trends. In some other cities like Los Angeles or Las Vegas for example, this lady would have been perfectly appropriate.

Really short shorts, especially those that show a bit of cheek, are not something to wear out in public. If you want to wear short shorts, confine them to working in the yard or cleaning house.

I find shorts with about a 2” cuff adorable on the right person. Another point, running shorts look better for running. Whether you are at the mall or the grocery store, you never know who you might encounter. It could be a client, your boss or someone with whom you wish to make a good impression. Recently, I was in Whole Foods and a lady approached me and told me that she had attended a luncheon where I was the speaker. This was nearly two years ago. I was very grateful that I was dressed appropriately.

Everyone can find a pair of shorts that works for them. The trick is choosing the right length and fit. Then tan those legs and you will be ready to face the Atlanta summer fashionably.

Does your closet need some editing? We love to help bring an existing wardrobe up to date, incorporating some new fashions so you are ready to enter summer season in style. Call us at 404-67-0288 or email at Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com.

When Col. Meriwether Lewis Clark, Jr. held the first Kentucky Derby in 1875, he looked to Europe to dictate appropriate attire. (Col. Clark was the grandson of the famous explorer we all remember from our history books.) England’s Ascot will always be imprinted on my mind by the scenes from My Fair Lady where Audrey Hepburn joined the other ladies at the race. It would have been a costume designer’s dream. Col. Clark’s dress code remains in place with experts suggesting a seersucker suit with bow tie and Cambridge Oxford Bucks for men while it was suggested ladies wear a floral silk dress, elegant shoes and, of course, the obligatory hat and gloves.

I looked online to see how attendees carried out this early dress code. Although strapless dresses frequently replaced the suggested floral silk, hats certainly carried out the nearly 150-year mandate.

Among the men, I thought these were excellent examples of the nattily dressed man. The gentleman in the seersucker suit pulls offs the look masterfully.

And let’s not forget Animal Kingdom, this year’s winner. After all, without the race, there would be no reason to buy those extraordinary hats, beautiful dresses and seersucker suits!

If you need some help with choosing the right attire for a special event, we are here to help! Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com. 404-428-2527.

Have you ever been at a gathering where a group of people were talking and each time one person entered the conversation, she (and it is almost always a “she”) was ignored? I have. It is as if that person is invisible.

I will never forget working with a lady shortly after I took the Four Seasons color training many years ago. She was 40ish and very attractive. Her medium brown hair was graying and she wore glasses with light brown rims. She had just come from work and was wearing an attractive beige suit with an off-white blouse and minimal make-up. She was oatmeal from head to toe. This very attractive woman had done everything she could to become invisible. Is there any way that she could have been impactful in the workplace, let alone in a social setting?

With this lady, I found that she was a Summer. She came alive in the typical summer pinks, blues and violets. We did her make-up with cool-toned base and rose-tone blush. Soft eye shadow with brown mascara and a yummy pink-toned lipstick added the finishing touch. Suddenly, you could not only see her but she was stunning.

Of course, the color system that I use now is much more complex so that you are not limited to one of four seasons, and the final effect is even more impactful.

I am always saddened when I see women who opt for the “natural” look. This means make-up is none or minimal and there is little attention to how the clothes fit or if the colors are becoming. Grooming is not important – who needs an iron? But what are these women doing to themselves? They are invisible. They may be the most competent person in the office but in most work environments, will not be the person promoted.

So, how do you have you voice be heard?

First of all, grooming is imperative. Pressed, well-fitting clothes will make an impact. Hair should be well coiffed. Manicured nails – not necessarily in a salon but neatly done and no chipped polish. Missing buttons or hems hanging are the kiss of death.

Wearing colors that complement your natural coloring helps make that first impression. The right colors give a glow to your natural coloring while the wrong colors can make you look anemic.

Finally, well executed make-up will finish your look. We’re not talking about Lady GaGa make-up. That will get you noticed, but not in the way you want! Choose colors that complement your skin tone. Give stronger emphasis to your eyes or your lips, not both. Stronger lip color has come back into style this season so if you have great lips, use a stronger color on them with less emphasis on the eyes. If you opt for stronger lip color, take care that one doesn’t see your lips before seeing the rest of your face. You want people to see you in totality.

The well-groomed woman, wearing the right colors with tasteful make-up will have a voice. Speak up and be recognized for the competent beauty you are!

If you need some guidance, take advantage of the Mother’s Day 20% discount on a consultation or closet edit. Contact Beryl at 404-467-0288 or Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com.

How many of your clothes do you really wear? I just read an interesting statistic: The average person only wears 10% of the clothes in their closet.

Now that is a shocking statistic. However, when I think of he many closet edits that I have done, 10% might be high. So, how can you have a closet full of clothes and only wear one tenth of them? I think it is a variety of reasons.

Default: There is always that “go to” outfit one defaults to in a hurry. You start to get ready for work or an event and discovered what you were planning to wear has a spot or needs repair. Or, this outfit might be the easy solution when you haven’t taken time to plan what to wear.

Size: Maybe you are one of those people with various sizes in your closet. There is always that favorite outfit that “I just need to lose 10 pounds”. Sometimes it’s hard to realize it has really been five years since you have worn some of those clothes. Maybe it is time to donate those to a charity and reward yourself with a shopping expedition to celebrate, once those pounds are history.

It was on sale! You go shopping and a spot a top designer label on sale for an amazing price. The temptation is simply too great so you buy it. The problem is that you have nothing to go with it or it really doesn’t work for you. Thus it hangs, unworn, in your closet with the tags still on. A few years ago, my daughter found a jacket at a resale shop by a famous designer. She carried this in her car for at least two years searching for the right thing to wear with it. I don’t believe she was ever successful but she probably got her money’s worth by the fun she had searching.

Fit: If something doesn’t fit right, it is not comfortable and you don’t look your best. Rather than letting that item hang in the closet, take it to a good tailor. Unless you are one of the few who can wear a garment off the rack, factor the cost of alteration into your budget for new purchases.

Wrong pattern or color: You found something that looked fantastic in the store but when you got it home, the color or pattern just never feel right so you never wear it.

If even 50% of the clothes in your closet hang there unworn, isn’t it time to assess the reason why? If you spend even $50 to $100 a month on clothes, that is $300 to $600 that has been “thrown away” so to speak each year. I encourage each of you to spend a little time determining why these clothes are not worn and how to have a closet in which you can wear everything and know you always look fabulous.

Need some guidance in how to choose what will look great? Take advantage of our Mothers’ Day 20% discount offer on a consultation or closet edit. Treat yourself or give a gift certificate to Mom. Contact us for details. Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or call 404-467-0288 office or 404-428-2527 mobile.

Barrettes are no longer just for children. They were the toast of accessories for the spring runway shows. Chanel, Carolina Herrera and Rodarte were just a few of the designers using barrettes as hair accents.

The use of utilitarian plastic clips has been a source of irritation for many years. They are fine for restraining hair when one is cleaning house or jogging or going camping but, in my mind, have no place being worn for business or social occasions. I see ladies dressed beautifully and ruining the look by adding one of those ugly plastic clips.

I recently saw a lady wearing a beautiful designer suit, expensive jewelry and accessories only to have added a small plastic clip to control a wayward curl. How much better it would have been if she had taken a few minutes to tame the curl! That one little clip detracted from the elegance of what was otherwise a beautifully executed look.

Last Friday night, at the Decorators’ Show House opening soiree, where I was serving as a docent, I noticed one young woman, wearing a elegant long silk dress. It was perfectly accessorized but she had a bobby pin holding her long hair back from falling in her face. What a shame that one little careless touch diminished a beautiful style.

Last Sunday, I noted a young woman at church wearing a silk blouse and pencil skirt with heels and Chanel handbag. She had her blonde hair pulled back, twisted and held up off her neck with a tortoise shell barrette. The look was casual yet sophisticated. The barrette was the perfect choice to serve a utilitarian purpose and still look finished.

I am so happy to see the resurgence of barrettes so that women have a stylish choice in ways to control their hair. If your hairstyle needs occasional restraint, check out the many options of grown up barrettes.

Mother’s Day is just two weeks away. Consider a gift of image: Consultation, Closet Audit, or Shopping Spree. Now 20% off until Mother’s Day. Contact Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-467-0288.

PS This year’s Decorators’ Show House is really spectacular! I encourage you all to go visit. All proceeds go to the Symphony. It is open through Mother’s Day.

Ask Teri

Teri Agins, a fashion reporter, has a weekly column in the Wall Street Journal in which she answers readers’ questions. I thought this recent answer was excellent so am sharing it with you.

Question: My mother’s friends – women in their late 50s – are always asking me what’s “in”. They ask things like “Short or long hems?” I want to politely explan that that’s not the way things work anymore.

Answer: “Individual style” and “timeless” are now fashion mantras. But your mom’s generation came of date in a time where fashion’s “in” and “out” rules were still largely in force. Tell your mom’s friends that the silhouettes, colors and necklines that look best on them should be the anchors to their wardrobes. They can always add trendy accessories.

Of course, there are some fashion “outs” everybody can agree on – usually, the most extreme styles of an era: exaggerated shoulder pads, oversized pants on men, Farrah Fawcett flips.

Yet some vintage styles are never out, like my gold distressed leather zip-front vest by Donna Karen from 1988. Whenever I wear it – tarted up with skinny jeans and high heels – fashion sharpshooters quickly identify it, marveling at how the cracked leather looks better with age. The same goes for my 1990’s peplum jackets from Thierry Mugler. Such signature pieces provide a fillip to your look, so hang onto them forever.

I loved the answer. This is what image consulting is all about. We guide the client to choose those styles and colors that best complement you: your body shape, proportion, scale and texture as well as bring out your “signature style”. Two ladies may have very similar coloring and body shapes but might wear quite different things, depending on their personality.

You can buy a few classic pieces that are perfect for you and add accent pieces to create different looks. Bring in a few of the season’s trends and you are totally up-to-date without spending a fortune and always presenting yourself at your best.

Can use some professional direction? Call us at 404-467-0288 or Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com. We can help with a closet audit, consultation or combination of what works best with your needs.

After just a few beautiful spring days I was in the mood to bring on summer clothes. The beauty of flowering plum, cherry and pear trees and dogwoods, tulips and forsythia, camellias and azaleas have an irresistible draw to lighter, brighter colors.

Since I needed new casual clothes, I embarked on an expedition to explore discount stores and see what I could find.

Discover Mills was my first venture. If you are not familiar with it, Discover Mills is located in Lawrenceville just off the Sugarloaf Parkway exit. There are many stores there including Off Saks and Neiman’s Last Call. I only had time to explore Saks and Neiman’s and was pleased to find a couple of things. As with most of us, I have a great challenge finding pants that fit. I did find a fun pair of cotton Z Spoke pants (this is Zac Posen’s more affordable line). They fit me needing only some minor alterations that I could do myself. I also found a Tahari top that looked like it had been designed to go with the pants and an Ellen Tracy top in white with some fun beading at the neck. I had signed up for Saks special email promotions so with my discount coupon; the entire purchase was about 25% of the original price.

Some observations that you might find helpful: The advantage of shopping at these two outlet stores is that you are choosing from regular merchandise transferred from their stores. Of course, the disadvantage is that the merchandise has been picked over. Since many popular brands manufacture special merchandise for most outlet stores, you are not necessarily buying the same quality that you would find in their regular line. However, if you enjoy a treasure hunt, this is the way to do it. One other quick point; I think Zac Posen is a very talented young designer but having tried his clothes in the past, I find that his sizes are totally inconsistent. Trying on is a must.

My next discount adventure was at Filene’s Basement. The original Filene’s Basement in Boston is a phenomenal place to shop. The original store, which is two or three basement levels, has discounted designer clothing for men and women, which is marked down an additional 25% every week until it is sold or donated to charity. I have only shopped there one time when I found a fantastic Max Mara pantsuit that fit perfectly. My husband found a suit, three pair of slacks and sport jacket all for less than the suit would have cost at full price. Our Filene’s is patterned more after a discount store. They do have some designer items but many of the racks of clothing are well known names specially manufactured for a discount market. It doesn’t mean that it is bad; it just doesn’t have quite the high quality standards of their regular, more expensive lines. In any event, I did find a cute pair of casual walking shorts that fit. Finding another pair in a different color, I grabbed it from the rack. When I got home and tried the other pair, I discovered there was over an inch difference at the waist and over two inches at the hips, thus I had to return them. This confirms my point that items produced for a discount store don’t have quite the same quality control as the first quality items.

Finally, to round out my discount adventure, I visited TJ Maxx and Nordstrom Rack in Buckhead. Between the two, I was able to add one more knit top and a pair of cropped, skinny jeans.

I rarely spend this much time shopping for myself and discount shopping takes time but can be a lot of fun. In total, I tried on about 30 pair of pants, finding three that worked. I added four summer tops, including a new, spring coral. My total expenditure was less than the jeans would have been at full price.

Atlanta offers many great resources to explore. I would caution you to choose only those things that fit and are a good style and color for you. Don’t let the deep discount seduce you into making an unwise choice. And did I mention? Try everything on!

Aplomb means confidence and it is our goal to guide each client to be confident that they look their very best. If your workplace could benefit from employees having a more confident appearance, call me to see if a Lunch “n” Learn or Workshop might be appropriate. Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-467-0288.

After several years of oversized, unstructured purses, trends are swinging back to smaller sizes and more defined shapes. I, for one, am very pleased. I understand why everyone finds these large purses so appealing. It is really handy to be able to throw your running shoes, lunch, the shirt you want to return to Macy’s, a book to read while waiting at the doctor’s office, or the baby bottle and a couple of diapers into your purse. Not to mention your husband’s camera, wallet and car keys! (I speak from experience here.) The practical downside is that you can’t ever find your wallet or lipstick.

I have a little different take on the oversized purses. Most of these large purses are too big in scale for the average lady and can appear overpowering. We’ve all seen small ladies carrying handbags that look like mini suitcases. The first thing you see is that purse. A purse should be in scale with the person carrying it. It should be an integral part of the total person’s appearance, keeping the focus on the person.

Another very practical reason to carry a smaller purse is frequent visits to a doctor or chiropractor necessitated from carrying too much weight in a purse.

From a design standpoint, these huge purses are traditionally designed with lots of pleating and gathers, allowing the maximum space inside the purse without looking like a piece of luggage. This style is not for everyone. The person who is a sporty, outdoor type or the artistic, creative person will be drawn to this type of purse. However, the classic, elegant or dramatic person will need more structure to support their more formal look. A romantic, feminine lady should choose a purse reflecting her feminine look.

The orange handbag by Isabelle Fiore is more casual and slouchy and would work very well for the sporty person.

The structure of the beige Dior Classic has a much more formal look and will be an excellent choice for the dramatic or classic lady.

Notice the second beige purse by Marc Jacobs. It is smaller and dressier and would work well with a dress where the larger bag above has a heavier look and would work better with a suit or more substantial clothing.

This animal print by Dolce and Gabbana is the new crossbody style. An animal print is more dramatic but the crossbody strap conveys a more casual look. This would work for the artsy person as well.

Finally, the small clutch by Valentino would be the perfect complement for that feminine, romantic lady.
All purses available at Neiman Marcus, Atanta.

Is it time to give your closet a spring cleaning? Call us at Style With Aplomb. We can take you shopping in your own closet. You will be able to select those great, existing pieces that need to be a part of your spring/summer wardrobe. Then we will help you decide which pieces to add so that you appear fresh and up to date. Contact us at Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-467-0288

Today, Neiman Marcus hosted our AICI chapter with a lovely style show presenting the spring/summer collection from Escada. A big “Thank You” to Jan, manager of the Escada department, Neiman’s, and the Escada team.

Multi – purpose is one of the themes from the collection. Jackets can be paired with jeans and a more casual shirt as well as worn with a skirt or slacks and dressy blouse. How cool is that for maximizing your wardrobe investments?

Jeans took on a personality of their own. The collection stepped far beyond the traditional jeans in assorted colors, although they were available as well. One pair of white jeans featured 3-dimentional front pocket detail, which was carried out in one hip pocket – just enough to give the jeans a unique look without being overdone. Jeweled details were featured on hip pockets, color variations, fabric with metallic thread, and even pinstripes. These jeans could be really dressed up with a jacket or worn with your heels of choice and an attractive tank.

Suits continue to be an important spring fashion look. Skirts are making a comeback along side the ever-important slacks. Suits in the collection featured creative details. One beautiful blue silk tweed suit featured a most unusual detailing at the bottom. The jacket could also be paired with a dress with the same detailing as the bottom of the jacket. Some jacket lapels created a unique flair through asymmetry or a contrasting fabric.

As in other designer’s spring collections, prints are a large part of the group. One dress was especially striking using the current fashionable color blocking executed in a different way by combining white with a print. If you have been reading my blogs for long, you know that choosing the right print for you is a little tricky. Be sure you love the print, and then when you are in front of the mirror wearing the print, close your eyes for a moment then open them. If the first thing you see is the print, it is probably too much. You want to wear the clothes, not have them wear you!

Of course, the maxi was featured in a variety of ways. One maxi knit dress was reversible with the deep “V” on one side and a high neck on the other. It could be dressed up for a special evening out or be worn with sandals and be perfect for a patio party.

Zippers were a popular accent, shown in many unusual applications. Leather will continue to be an important staple in your wardrobe. Tasteful, subtle details were the trend of the show.

I believe in buying a few timeless pieces of high quality and this collection gave much from which to choose. One can add one or two pieces from a collection such as this and mix them with your present wardrobe. Add a few inexpensive pieces that will just last for the season and you have a fresh, current look without bruising your credit card.

Need some guidance in how to best bring your wardrobe into spring? We will be happy to guide you. Not sure if you need help? Take advantage of our 1/2 hour complementary consultationto see if this is for you. Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or 404-467-0288.

When I think of the 70’s, I think of hippies, psychedelic colors, long, stringy hair and all of the other negative images that went with that period. I lived in Southern California during that time, one of the hot spots for the movement. Being a mother of two young children and very conservative, I was anything but impressed. You can imagine my reaction when I read that the spring collections would encompass styles from the 70’s or the Boho look.

In reality, designers have taken the look, cleaned it up, and modernized it. Let’s look at the Maxi skirt. There are many versions of this peasant-type skirt look so I have selected a variety of examples.

The first example is a classic maxi skirt in white with a white tank top. It is paired with a beige jacket. One of the keys to wearing this look is to keep good proportion. The skirt is voluminous so balance needs to be achieved by having the top hug the body. This jacket simply makes the model appear bulky and shapeless. Without the jacket, the fitted shell is perfect. If a jacket is needed, a fitted jacket or sweater, stopping at the waist would be a better choice. This skirt is lacy so would be best worn by a romantic and feminine or possibly a creative, artistic personality. These sandals work perfectly for the look.

The next skirt by Vince, has a completely different feel. Paired with this white tank, it gives an “all-American” girl feel. This skirt and top could be worn to lunch, to a ball game or any variety of other events. It will best complement the sporty, outdoor personality.

The last dress will appeal to a totally different personality. Points on the skirt add a touch of drama. It also has a sexy, alluring feel. You notice this model has a much more dramatic, alluring appearance. This is a good choice of the maxi look for ladies who fit the dramatic or sexy, alluring category.

You will notice that there were no maxi examples for the traditional, classic, or elegant personality. As with every changing trend, one needs to recognize ones unique personal style and wear trends that support that style. For these ladies, better to love it and leave it.

Need some guidance in choosing the right new trends for your spring/summer wardrobe? Call us at Style With Aplomb at 404-467-0288 or email at Beryl[@]StyleWithAplomb[.]com.

As long as I can remember, the trench coat has been a staple in the fashion world for both men and women. The tan trench has always been the quintessential basic.

In 1914, Thomas Burberry was commissioned by the British War Office to create a jacket that could be used by the military in the trenches. Burberry had an existing style – the “Tielocken” made from waterproof worsted cotton gabardine. A few style changes to better accommodate the soldiers’ needs, and the trench coat was born.

I’m sure Thomas Burberry would not believe his eyes if he were to see the myriad versions of his trench coat that have appeared in recent runway collections. Well-known designers such as Oscar de la Renta and Ralph Lauren are joined by newer names such as Phillip Lim, and Thakoon among numerous others have their own version of the trench.

Evening coats in various iterations of the trench can be found in silk, metallic, and tweed. Short, long, traditional beige, print, ruffled or cape-style all occupy hanger space in stores this season. If you are thinking of adding one of these new versions of this well-loved classic to your spring wardrobe, be sure to allow plenty of time to shop. With as much variety as there is available, you will want to explore the many possibilities before making your final choice. (All trenches pictured can be found at Neiman Marcus.)

Would your company or organization benefit from a presentation on how to wear new spring styles? We are booking luncheon, lunch and learn, and workshops now. We can tailor one just for your group. Contact Beryl at Beryl@StyleWithAplomb.com or call 404-467-0288.